The training program on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Mekong is organized by the Mekong Institute from 19 to 30 July, 2010 at Khon Kaen, Thailand. The program is tailor-made for the Junior Riparian Professionals (JRP) from Mekong River Commission (MRC) and Young GMS Professionals from MI. 14 participants from the upper and lower Mekong basins are expected to gain knowledge and skills on integrated water management in the context of Mekong cooperation.

In the opening ceremony, Dr. Suchat Katima, MI Director talked about the importance of regional cooperation and understanding on water resources management. Facing the common threat of climate change, he said upstream and downstream countries need to work together to utilize resources in a sustainable way in order to mitigate the imminent risk.

Dr. Janejira Tospornsampan, MRC representative, emphasized the important roles of water resources in the GMS. She hoped that the program will elucidate the often misunderstood concept of IWRM and that participants will gain more knowledge on that.

The program covers a wide range of IWRM content, including development potentials, stakeholders analysis, using indicators, and competencies of basin planners, etc. Participants will also visit Pak Mun Dam in Thailand to appreciate first-hand information on basin planning.