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Oliver Cogels, chief executive officer of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), wrote to the 'Bangkok Post' to explain his views on China's dams along the Mekong/Lancang, saying that their negative impact is often exaggerated and that China's dams are not the culprit behind the drought felt in downstream countries in recent years. Below are excerpts:

As the CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, I wish to take this opportunity to present . . . a more balanced and constructive vision on the issue of trans-boundary impact of hydropower development projects. Downstream impact of large hydropower dams depends mainly on their operation. In order to reduce the fluctuations of the river flow, which might affect local farmers and fishermen living along the river, it would thus be beneficial for all parties to cooperate on the operational guidelines of these dams.

During the (Dec. 19, 2006) meeting (with Thai media), I also said that while the potential local impact should always be properly addressed and mitigated, the overall downstream impact of hydropower dams on the Lancang in China is often
exaggerated in the public opinion. Indeed, the total volume of water which can be stored behind the two existing dams, Manwan and Dachaosan, is at least 30 times smaller than the total volume of water flowing annually out of China in the Mekong River. And although the storage capacity of the Xiaowan dam will be more important, it will still be at least four times smaller than the total annual flow.

Furthermore, if these dams are not used for irrigation, but mainly for power generation, they do not "consume" water and tend to increase the river flow in the dry season, while reducing the flow in the flood season. We have enough evidence to believe that the Chinese dams are not responsible for the drought situation faced by downstream countries in recent years.

On the contrary, depending on their operation, they may increase the availability of water during the dry season, which would be beneficial for drought management in downstream countries.

Our position concerning hydropower development in the Mekong Basin, including in China, has always been one of reflecting, on the one hand, the increasing need for electricity for poverty alleviation and economic growth and, on the other hand, the concerns regarding environment and social aspects in the scope of an integrated sustainable development approach at basin level. It also reflects the positive cooperative spirit that exists between MRC and China.

In Southeast Asia, there is a very rapid increase of the electricity demand and, if well designed and operated, hydropower has the potential to meet a significant part of this increasing demand in a much "cleaner" way than other power generation techniques using coal, fuel oil or natural gas. Hydropower has the big advantage of producing electricity without carbon emission and the respective impact on global warming.

China is indeed not a member of the MRC. But China, together with Burma, is a more and more active dialogue partner, and within this partnership framework it is possible to develop a constructive and trustful cooperation at the technical level in areas of mutual interest. Very significant steps have recently been achieved in this direction. The Mekong River system still offers high potential for sustainable development in the sectors of agriculture, fisheries, hydropower, navigation, flood management, water supply and sanitation.

And if we are to see the alleviation of poverty and an increase in the socio-economic welfare of the growing Mekong population, more developments are needed in all water-related sectors, including hydropower.

We are well aware that water resources development in such a large international river basin is not without risks and difficulties, but we are confident that with a constructive, trustful and pragmatic attitude, promoting close cooperation between all countries of the Mekong Basin, we will be able to meet the challenge of an economically prosperous, socially just and environmentally sound river basin, for the benefit of all the Mekong people, especially the poorest.

(Source: Letter to the Bangkok Post, Jan. 9, 2007, in response to a Dec. 25 article entitled 'New dam plan sparks warning', which he said misrepresents his position with regard to hydropower development in China.)