PNPCA Consultation and Improvement for Hydro-power Development on Mekong River

Abstract

As a trans-boundary river, the hydro-power development on the Mekong River has attracted the attention of the international community. Since the 1950s, the countries along the Mekong River discussed, consulted and established a multilateral mechanism to resolve disputes, reduce differences, authorize management, and share benefits. However it was not until 1995 that the available Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA) was basically established. This paper reviews the history of the development of a multilateral consultation mechanism by the countries along the Mekong River, analyzes the current consultation mechanism through a case example, and proposes relevant issues and corresponding improvement scheme.