Transboundary cooperation between Lao PDR and Viet Nam addresses emerging threats to shared river basins

Ha Noi, Viet Nam  – A recent transboundary analysis from the Ma and Neun-Ca shared river basins in Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has highlighted key threats to the shared region, including fish kills likely linked to agricultural pollution and flash flooding driven by more intense tropical storms.

The study, part of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) was presented at the first annual review meeting of the project Fostering Water and Environmental Security in the Ma and Neun/Ca Transboundary River Basins and Related Coastal Areas held in Hanoi.  Other key challenges facing the shared basins include changes in river flow due to hydropower reservoirs, deforestation that impacts flows and sediment loads, increasing water withdrawals from growing populations, and emergency releases from dams during extreme water events. 

The Ma and Neun-Ca project addresses these threats by strengthening transboundary cooperation, enhancing water security, environmental sustainability and forecasting ability.  The project is testing and sharing environmentally sound land and water approaches, practices and technologies, and improving cooperation through establishment of bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

“This project demonstrates how shared analysis and dialogue can translate into coordinated action across borders,” said Waleed Abouelhassan, FAO technical lead for the project and Land and Water Officer. “Strengthening cooperation between Lao PDR and Viet Nam is essential to address evolving water-related risks, protect ecosystems, and support resilient livelihoods in the basins.”

As part of the transboundary analysis, an assessment of the hydro-meteorological monitoring networks in both Viet Nam and Lao PDR was completed. This will help improve the coverage and quality of hydrological monitoring, support early warning systems, and provide the technical basis and mechanisms for better monitoring and data and information sharing. The full analysis is expected by the end of 2026.

Mr. Chau Tran Vinh, Director General of the Viet Nam Department of Water Resources Management under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (DWRM/MAE) and Mr. Oudomsack Philavong, Director General of the Department of Water Resources under the Ministry of Environment  (DWR/MAE) in Lao PDR, said in a joint statement, “Through the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis, the project helps clearly identify key challenges such as pollution, ecosystem degradation, and increasing disaster risks, thereby providing a sound basis for appropriate policy development. At the same time, the project strengthens monitoring and early warning capacities, promotes data sharing, and enhances transboundary cooperation mechanisms.”

The Ma and Neun-Ca project gathering happened immediately after World Water 2026, held on March 22.  The Viet Nam and Lao PDR Director Generals further stated, “Gender considerations are integrated throughout the project, in line with World Water Day 2026 theme: Water and Gender Equality. As such, this project not only addresses immediate challenges but also contributes to building a modern, equitable, and sustainable water governance framework, aiming to ensure water security for all, leaving no one behind.”

The Ma and Neun-Ca project is the first bilateral Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters project between Lao PDR and Viet Nam. FAO serves as the implementing agency, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature as the executing agency, in partnership with DWRM and DWR. The two river basins cover parts of Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe Anh and Ha Tinh Provinces in Viet Nam, and Houaphan and Xiengkhouang Provinces in Lao PDR. The project will run until 2028, with the overall goal of creating an enabling environment for transboundary cooperation and action in  to halt the basins’ degradation and ensure their future vitality.