CHAPTER 8 I MEKONG TRANSBOUNDARY RESOURCE GOVERNANCE IN AN ERA OF CHANGES I 393
of multi-scalar governance with cross-border impact assessments [ Hirsch, 2020 ]. In that way, localized commons and transboundary development projects could be integrated into supranational framings of the commons. Mekong water is a commons pooled resource for all Mekong inhabitants. As an alternative, large hydropower dam projects are located within geopolitical debates about the sustainability of alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power [ Tran & Suhardiman, 2020 ]. The sustainability of multi-sited transboundary commons around other river resources, such as wild catch fisheries, should be considered to find better solutions than just large-scale power-generated water infrastructure. Then, at planning level, “proactive regional planning” plays the role of integration, with joint investment projects and measures between countries, actors, and sectors. Challenges persist in the domination of current pro-growth agendas, that often undermine the democratic ideal of collaborative
4. For a paradigm shift on the sustainable management of transboundary resources in the Mekong countries Climate change adds uncertainty to the ongoing environmental and resource-use issues of the Mekong basin. In this context, transboundary governance of natural resources
participation in hybrid environmental governance [ Bakerand Milne, 2015; South, 2018, cited by Miller et al., 2020 ]. The outstanding question concerns the motivations of various actors in making the sector healthier. The fact that the revenue benefits to Laos appear to be positive — and wildly more so than any other development strategy the government could pursue — needs to be considered seriously [ Cronin & Hamlin, 2012 ]. An understanding of the interests and motivations of all actors is needed. As Hirsch (2020) states, governance needs to be based on an understanding of flows of capital and distribution of interests between different social and environmental actors, just as much as on flows of fugitive resources or geopolitical power plays. Specifically, either transboundary regulations or local governmental rules to hold Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese firms accountable for their investments in hydropower, plantations and other entities in neighbouring countries, will improve and reduce the impacts of agrarian and water projects on local communities.
faces challenges from high degrees of uncertainty, contested outcomes, and multiple actors with various interests. Current issues derive mainly from the perspective of national sovereignty and owned business. At the same time, current “undeniable” issues of environmental damage and climate change are a driver for progress. Miller et al. (2020) assert that history has shown that times of crisis, rupture, and displacement create opportunities to enact flexible governance. Along with institutional trials and practices based on the principles of proactive regional planning, and holistic cross-border assess-
