The Mekong Institute conducted a two-week-learning-program on “Integrated Water Resources Management for the Mekong” sponsored by and held at Mekong River Commission (MRC) Vientiane Office, Laos last November 28 - December 10, 2011.
 
Out of the 10 participants, eight were Junior Riparian Professionals (JRPs) under the MRC’s project, one was a dialogue partner from Myanmar, and one was a regular MRC staff.
 
The learning program was organized with the aims to equip all participants with knowledge and skills regarding water resources management in the context of Mekong Cooperation. The contents being covered during the programs were: principles in water management, water resources management functions, basin planning, stakeholder engagement, benefit-sharing mechanisms. The emerging issues like climate change and its impacts including other development initiatives in the Mekong basin were also discussed.

During the program, a field visit was organized. The participants paid a visit at Nam Ton Watershed Management Project in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. The trip has opened the eyes of the participants in terms of the reality of watershed project’s area and emerging problems which were the results of the plans and implementations executed by the local and central governmental authorities.

Participants highly appreciated the learning program, especially on technical issues mentioned by the MRC guest speakers. They were as well satisfied with the methods which were used by the speakers to deliver the program and the on-hand experience the field visits provided.