WWF is working with financial institutions to ensure they play a more active role in promoting sustainable hydropower development in the lower Mekong river basin
Sustainable hydropower financing
First ever bank conference to discuss hydropower in the Mekong river basin
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, resulting in equally fast growing demand for energy particularly in China, Thailand and Vietnam. GMS countries view the Mekong river as a potential source of cheap and reliable energy, although there are clear social and environmental risks related to the development of hydropower on the river.
On September 24, 2010 WWF co-convened a conference with the World Bank, Oxfam, GTZ and Proparco to address the financing of sustainable hydropower projects in the Mekong river basin. This conference brought together investors, hydropower experts, conservation and development agencies to look at the business contexts and risks for hydropower development. Speakers included experts on hydropower in the region, representatives from the banking sector, and representatives involved in the delivery of previous hydropower projects. This was the first ever meeting of its kind in the region.
