Cross-Border Insights: Streamlining water governance for effective river basin management

The recent revision of Vietnam's Water Resources Law has re-ignited interest in River Basin Organisations (RBOs). These coordination modalities have long been considered promising mechanisms for advancing integrated water resources management (IWRM), but their cross-cutting nature has meant that effective implementation has been a major challenge.

Vietnam's efforts to establish RBOs span several decades. Since the introduction of the 1998 Law on Water Resources, and now with the 2023 revision, the country has been piloting and exploring how RBOs could contribute towards improved water management.

Reflecting the long-term partnership between Vietnam and Australia in fostering IWRM, the Australian Water Partnership (AWP) has been collaborating with the Department of Water Resources Management of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (DWRM-MONRE) in the formulation and implementation of Vietnam's Water Resources Law. A study visit to Australia occurred in December 2024 as a part of this pathway.

Vietnam’s efforts to enhance IWRM through RBOs

The concept of RBOs in Vietnam emerged with the 1998 Law on Water Resources (the Law), which laid the initial framework for IWRM and spurred the formation of several RBOs. However, the specific functions, mandates and resource allocation for RBOs were not clearly defined until the issuance of Decree 120/2008/ND-CP dated 01 December 2008.

A significant step forward occurred in 2012 with the revision of the Law. This revision introduced clearer mandates for different stakeholders in coordinating and overseeing water resource activities. Despite this advancement, the lack of detailed regulations governing the establishment and operation of RBOs hindered their effectiveness. Many RBOs struggled to fulfil their role as coordinators of stakeholders involved in river basin management.

The latest revision of the Law on Water Resources, taking effect since July 2024, seeks to address these challenges. This updated legislation provides clearer guidance on RBOs' responsibilities and introduces a more detailed operational framework. By addressing shortcomings in previous laws, the revision aims to strengthen the Role of RBOs in integrated river basin management, better defining their roles, structures, and operational rules.

Despite this progress, RBOs in Vietnam continue to face significant challenges. They often lack the necessary authority to make decisions with substantial impact on river basin management, struggle with inadequate resources, and face persistent issues in stakeholder coordination. Furthermore, public involvement remains limited and reliable data on water resources, land use, and environmental conditions are often unavailable.

For the new law to achieve its intended impact, careful planning and implementation are essential. This includes ensuring adequate funding and staffing for RBOs and developing clear, actionable plans for their operations. Without these measures, RBOs risk repeating past inefficiencies, undermining their potential to contribute effectively to sustainable water resource management in Vietnam.

A knowledge-exchange opportunity between Vietnam and Australia regarding RBOs

Recently, DWRM-MONRE was tasked with developing detailed guidance for the effective establishment and operation of RBOs. This initiative underscores Vietnam’s commitment to address pressing water challenges such as water scarcity and river deterioration while advancing a systematic, sustainable approach to water management in the face of climate change. To support DWRM in this endeavour, a study visit to Australia was organised by AWP and implemented by AMPERES and Alluvium Group from 9 to 13 December 2024.

The study visit represents a knowledge-exchange platform between the two countries on fostering IWRM through effectively functioning RBOs. The Vietnamese delegation involved 15 high-level government officials in the water sector from DWRM/MONRE, the Government’s Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Vietnam National Mekong Committee. From the Australian side, we were pleased to engage with the Australian Government and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), Geoscience Australia, Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), WaterNSW, City of Sydney and Sydney Water.

The AWP representative with his opening remarks

RBOs establishment and management – The case of Murray-Darling Basin Authority

The study visit fostered dynamic discussions and two-way knowledge exchange between Vietnamese and Australian stakeholders in the water sector.

During the first day of the visit, the Vietnamese delegation engaged in a productive meeting with representatives from the Australian Government DCCEEW, BoM, Geoscience Australia, MDBA and River Basin Planning experts from AMPERES and Alluvium Group.

First, the delegation gained insights into the overall water management structure within Australia’s flagship river basin - the Murray-Darling Basin - with a focus on the roles of the Australian Federal Government. Shaped by Australia’s historical water pressures and the growing impacts of climate change, how water resources are managed across different levels of government in Australia and the pivotal role of the National Water Initiative in addressing critical challenges, such as the Millennium Drought and increasing water scarcity, was presented by the representative of the International Engagement Section.

The delegation was also introduced to a comprehensive river basin planning process that emphasised the importance of effective planning and continuous engagement. This approach ensures that the needs and priorities of all relevant stakeholders are appropriately reflected in the river basin plan, fostering a more inclusive and adaptive management strategy.

The expert from Alluvium Group with 7 steps on River Basin Planning

Subsequently, the representative of DWRM shared insights into Vietnam’s water governance framework. She recounted the evolving story of River Basin Organisations (RBOs) in Vietnam, particularly their institutionalization through successive revisions and amendments to the Water Law. Looking ahead, RBOs are envisioned as pivotal instruments in advancing IWRM in Vietnam. They are expected to play a critical role in addressing pressing challenges such as river restoration and water scarcity, especially in the context of climate change. Developing a comprehensive proposal for establishing and operationalizing RBOs is thus a priority mission for the Vietnamese water sector, requiring careful consideration of national and international lessons learned.

The Vietnamese delegation engaged in vibrant exchanges on the practical aspects of structuring, operating and financing an exemplary RBO. Among the standout models discussed was the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), Australia’s first intergovernmental body established in 2008 to oversee the integrated management of water resources in the Murray-Darling Basin.

To gain firsthand insights, Vietnamese policymakers met with representatives from MBDA. There, the MBDA’s representative provided an overview of the Murray-Darling Basin, emphasising its complexity and the critical need for robust transboundary management among five states and the Australian Federal Government. The delegation then explored the evolution of MBDA, including its origins, governance structure, community involvement, stakeholder roles, achievements, and ongoing challenges. Another key area of discussion was MDBA's approach to allocating water resources in a fair and equitable manner across a diverse range of users—urban, agricultural, and environmental—while balancing competing needs.

Alluvium’s expert explained the roles of different agencies in water management in Australia

Group photo at the end of Day 1

On technical aspects, representatives from BoM and Geoscience Australia presented the application of remote sensing technologies in water forecasting and water resources management.

During the study visit, the Vietnamese delegation also had a one-day discussion with the New South Wales (NSW) water stakeholders. The representatives from NSW DCCEEW and WaterNSW introduced the current state of water management in NSW and water allocation priorities applied in the State. Furthermore, technical expertsfrom Alluvium Group supported these technical discussions with presentations on water accounting, cost-benefit analysis of project development and providing allocations for environmental water. Particularly, the delegate also has a chance to engage with Sydney Water to hear about their stormwater harvesting scheme to reduce the stress of water usage during the drought period.

Discussion with Sydney Park Wetland representatives

Group photo with the representative of Sydney Water

The study visit also offered Vietnamese delegates hands-on experience with stormwater harvesting schemes for environmental flow protection, including the Paramatta River Restoration project and Sydney Park Wetlands. These field visits highlighted the significance of adopting holistic water governance strategies that harmonise ecological sustainability with socio-economic priorities, a reminder for all policymakers, especially in the face of environmental deterioration and turbulent climate change.

Building on these knowledge-sharing activities, a roadmap for the effective establishment of RBOs will be co-developed, outlining critical steps toward achieving sustainable river basin management in Vietnam.

On the field

Vietnam State of Energy Transition Conference

One and a half years after the approval of Vietnam’s National Power Development Plan (PDP8), Australia continues to support its strategic partner in exploring practical solutions to decarbonise the electricity sector.

🔸 On September 18, 2024, the "Vietnam State of Energy Transition" (VSET) Conference was successfully held in Hanoi. As the closing event of FE-V (Future of Electricity – Vietnam) Phase 2, VSET gathered over 100 energy transition experts from both Vietnam and Australia. These participants represented a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, and businesses.

Climate change and energy transition are two key pillars of the Australia-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership, as stated by the Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski. Since 2022, FE-V, an initiative from the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, has fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange between energy experts from both countries. Building on the progress of Phase 1, FE-V Phase 2 focused on eight priority issues to support Vietnamese government agencies in implementing the approved PDP8. VSET served as the conclusion of this phase.

We were honoured to welcome Mr. Long Nguyen Hoang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), who delivered a keynote speech addressing practical challenges in Vietnam’s energy transition. These issues were further explored in 16 presentations by experienced speakers with deep knowledge of the multifaceted energy transition from Australia and Vietnam.
The conference included three main sessions, with parallel discussions on crucial themes of the electricity sector: Generation, Market and Fuel; Grid and Demand; and Planning, Resilience, and GEDSI.

We would like to thank The Australian Embassy in Vietnam (Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski, Ms. Cecilia Brennan Mr. Le Duc, Mr. Benjamin Davis), Partnerships for Infrastructure (Mr. Nam Le, Mr. Kyle Springer) for their long-term support and guidance; and our wide range of respected partners, guests, and participants who contributed your deep expertise to the success of VSET.

Now available in four languages - Managing Water Scarcity in Asia and the Pacific

A crucial driver of prosperity and economic development, water is the lifeblood of both industry and agriculture sectors across Asia and the Pacific (APAC) region.

However, like many parts of the world, the region faces an escalating threat: water scarcity.

What is water scarcity?

Water scarcity occurs when the demand for freshwater outpaces its available supply, our study reveals.

In the study, we conjured up a holistic picture of water scarcity based on four key dimensions:

  • Too little water;

  • Too variable water;

  • Over-utilisation;

  • Poor water quality.

The imbalance can manifest in unsatisfied demand, tensions and competition for water between users, over-extraction of groundwater, and insufficient environmental flows. (the UN Food and Agriculture organisation - FAO)

With four very different climate zones, the APAC region experiences all types of water scarcity – too little water, over-utilisation, too variable water or poor water quality – and all threaten to undermine the development progress of recent decades.

Water scarcity management: Collaboration towards a resilient, water-secure future

Our policy summary analyses water scarcity management practices across ten countries, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. This study helps to inform policymakers by identifying what has worked and what needs to be improved to mitigate the risks of water scarcity for a water-secure and resilient Asia-Pacific.

Led by AMPERES' integrated water team, the study supports joint efforts between FAO and Australian Water Partnership (AWP) under the Asia-Pacific Water Scarcity Programme towards sustainable use of water resources in all countries in the region, and the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals relating to water access, poverty reduction and food security.


Managing Water Scarcity in Asia and the Pacific - A Summary - Now available in four languages:

(redirected to the AWP’s website)

 
 
 
 
 
 

A dedicated webpage for the FE-V program is officially launched

In this very first month of 2024, we are excited to share with you the launching webpage of the FE-V (Future Electricity of Vietnam) program. This science-to-policy program comprises policy dialogues to leverage the Australian experience in the energy transition to support Vietnam in exploring practical and feasible interventions for a decarbonised, reliable and affordable power system.

You can now access the rigorous knowledge products on prioritised topics relating to the main dimensions of the power sector, which were meticulously developed by the FE-V's Australian and Vietnamese experts. Furthermore, we welcome you to accompany the FE-V team in the weekly newsletter, future events, and so on.

We're happy to receive any comments or requests of engagement regarding FE-V and this webpage from you.

The webpage is available in both English and Vietnamese. 
Access here:
English: https://fe-vietnam.info
Vietnamese: https://vi.fe-vietnam.info

Pre-COP 28 Policy Dialogue | Advancing regional cooperation in Southeast Asia's Energy Transition to meet the Paris Agreement Goals in 2030

REGIONAL PRE-COP 28 POLICY DIALOGUE

"Advancing regional cooperation in Southeast Asia's Energy Transition to meet the Paris Agreement Goals in 2030"


The year 2015 marked the adoption of the historic Paris Agreement, a global commitment for collective action to reduce global CO2 emissions and combat climate change. Seven dynamic years have passed since that breakthrough, with significant development and transformation in the power sectors of Southeast Asia.

At the halfway point between the signing of the agreement and the target date of 2030, it is time to take stock of the progress made and the challenges remaining for Southeast Asia to meet its 2030 commitments.

COP28 UAE, held from November 30 until December 12, 2023, is a significant event where the global progress on the Paris Agreement will be evaluated. The inaugural Global Stocktake will assist in aligning and strengthening the global effort by identifying areas that require additional measures.

As outlined in the Paris Agreement, effective regional cooperation is an indispensable attribute in accelerating the energy transition. To that end, many governments, including ones in Southeast Asia, have undertaken various initiatives. However, making the best of such initiatives by determining the most effective collaborative mechanisms still poses challenges. 

In preparation for the Global Stocktake process at COP 28, this pre-COP Dialogue will assess progress on energy transition through the lens of regional electricity cooperation. It will take stock of progress, identify remaining challenges and explore how regional electricity cooperation could unlock these barriers to advance national and regional progress on the Paris Commitments.

The pre-COP Policy Dialogue is an initiative of the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), a multi-stakeholder platform that aims to accelerate energy transition in Southeast Asia and deliver the Paris Agreement targets on climate change by bringing together Government Donors, Philanthropies and Partner Governments.

The ETP Roundtables is a networking program delivering policy engagement and training through a consortium of the Australian National University (ANU), Australia-Mekong Partnership for Environmental Resources & Energy Systems (AMPERES), Institute for Economic and Social Research, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (LPEM UI), the Indonesia Research Institute for Decarbonisation (IRID), Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), and University of San Carlos (USC).

A Fishway to preserve the migratory fish in Vang Vieng district of Lao PDR

Agriculture and fisheries are vital for the prosperity of the Lower Mekong Region, where a majority of rural people are agriculture-dependent livelihoods. However, the construction of irrigation infrastructure often has adverse impacts on riverine ecosystems and has threatened inland fisheries in the region.

The Fishtech project, funded by ACIAR and DFAT and led by Charles Sturt University (CSU), aims to synthesise and generate research that facilitates significant adoption of fishway technology in South East Asian countries, including mitigating the environmental impacts of irrigation development on fish migration. A recent activity of the project was the opening of a Fishway at Nam Pok in the Vang Vieng district of Lao PDR, focusing on raising local awareness of fish migration and river connectivity. As a close partner in Water for Rice and Fish project, financially sponsored by ACIAR, conducting small research activities in Lao PDR and Cambodia, AMPERES is pleased to participate in this opening event.

The event involved the participation of the Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR, Mr H.E. Paul Kelly, the representatives of local governments of Vang Vieng, the National University of Laos, Mekong River Commission, Living Aquatic Resources Research Center, local community, and Professor Lee Baumgartner from CSU and, as well as the fishway research and construction team, and CSU's partners on improving "fish-friendly" agriculture in the Lower Mekong Region.

Fishways advance the preservation of migratory fish by facilitating a passage to reconnect the upstream and downstream habitats where river infrastructure presents. It contributes to enhancing local fisheries' income and household nutrition. In Lao PDR, hydropower dams and irrigation infrastructure are vital for economic and livelihood development; however, the constructions are barriers to fulfilling migratory fish's life stage and contribute to declining fish populations. Fishway is, therefore, one of the feasible ways to increase inland fisheries in Lao PDR.

However, a single fishway cannot provide upstream passage for all types of inland fish and only focus on target fisheries. Integrated approaches, including social and environmental interventions, are needed to enhance local community livelihood. And AMPERES, in partnership with our valued partners ACIAR, CSU and national specialists, is thriving for them.

 

* All photo credits to the Australian Embassy to Laos and Jim H photo

Managing Water Scarcity in Asia and the Pacific

In Asia and the Pacific region, water resources form the basis of food security and support economic development. However, increasing water demand due to population growth, rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, and climate change threaten those water resources. Many countries in Asia and the Pacific face increasing water scarcity, with various causes, dynamics, and trends. How countries in the region respond to and manage water scarcity will define sustainable development across the region.

The publication "Managing Water Scarcity in Asia and the Pacific - A Summary" provides policymakers with a summary outlining the dynamics and management of water scarcity across Asia and the Pacific. Water scarcity management practices across ten countries – including several in ASEAN – were analysed, identifying what has worked and what needs improvement to mitigate water scarcity risks.

The report supports the Water Scarcity Program led by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in partnership with the Australian Water Partnership. The Water Scarcity Program works with national governments in developing ‘Water Scarcity Action Plans’ and ‘National Water Accounting and Allocation Roadmaps’, which will guide future water accounting and allocation practices in the Asia-Pacific region.

AMPERES led this publication in collaboration with Aalto University, eWater, Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, Institute of Water Resources Planning, National University of Laos, Cambodia Development Research Institute, Thai Water Partnership, Gadjah Mada University, Global Water Partnership – Indonesia, RMCG, Eco-Pasifika Consulting and Alluvium Group.

Visit the publication page on the Australian Water Partnership website here.

Advancing Just Energy Transition in the ASEAN

Advancing Just Energy Transition in the ASEAN

This paper reflects the outcome of a series of stakeholder dialogues with contributions from Oxfam, Heinrich Boll Stiftung Southeast Asia, the Institute for Essential Services Reform, AMPERES, HPNET, Yayasan Indonesia Cerah, Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples, Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID Vietnam), Lao Natural Resources and River Network (LNRN), the NGO Forum on Cambodia, WWF Myanmar and the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development. 

Read More

Think Global Act Local: Exploring the Role of Community Renewable Energy in National Achievement of an Inclusive, Just Energy Transition

The global COVID-19 pandemic offers Southeast Asian countries the opportunity to reset and rethink development strategies and the potential to “build back better” –more resilient, more sustainable, and decarbonized. Agencies like the OECD and the IEA have championed “build back better” approaches for the energy sector, but the focus of these calls center on technology change and increasing deployment of renewable energy in the national electricity generation mix. For many developing countries in Southeast Asia, the challenge of Renewable Energy (RE) deployment is complicated by other factors such as an urgent need to make progress on energy access goals (Sustainable Development Goal– SDG 7), the challenges of reliable generation and avoidance of blackouts, and keeping up with rapid energy demand growth. In this paper, we argue that renewable energy offers more than simply technological benefits to the energy sector; it also offers an opportunity for distributed energy resources (mini-grids, rooftop solar) and community ownership and management of energy resources to advance national power development agendas.

We draw on case studies from Cambodia and Vietnam to demonstrate that decentralized renewable energy options can provide rural communities with clean and affordable electricity that also offers a range of social, economic, environmental, technological and political benefits. As such, they play a crucial role in achieving national SDG targets towards universal electricity access.

We argue that community renewable energy (CORE) offers governments the opportunity to reach reliable universal access faster, more equitably and with greater knock-on benefits to rural livelihoods, including strengthening community ownership of electricity services. Recognizing there are technology and governance issues challenging the sustainability of some CORE projects in the region, this study proposes a framework for investigating different dimensions of a project to identify areas for improvement.

This paper is part of a research series on the energy landscape in Southeast Asia.

Find more about the Climate and Energy in Southeast Asia program from Heinrich Böll Foundation.

ENERGY TRANSITION ROUNDTABLES REGISTRATION

ENERGY TRANSITION ROUNDTABLES (ET-R) is a two-year capacity building and networking program in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The design includes 24 Roundtables which will be organised in 2022 and 2023.

The Roundtables are delivered by a partnership of the The Australian National University (ANU), AMPERES- The Australia-Mekong Partnership for Environmental Resources & Energy Systems, Institute for Economic and Social Research, University of Indonesia (LPEM-FEBUI), Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (LPEM UI), the Indonesia Research Institute for Decarbonisation (IRID), Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) and University of San Carlos.

The details will be provided when each particular event is officially launched.

To not get missed out on this great opportunity, please register here: https://lnkd.in/g26BBQ-w or Scan the QR Code below for the forthcoming roundtables !!!

For more information, please contact Ms Tien Le - Project Coordinator via email tienlth@amperes.com.au or visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gyMhMx9j

#energytransition #energy #renewablesenergy

PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE AND JUST TRANSFORMATION OF THE MEKONG'S REGION ELECTRICITY SECTOR

The official book of the Pathways to Sustainable and Just Transformation of the Mekong Region’s Electricity Sector has launched.

The book is focusing on analyzing how electricity is generated, and how it is accessed, is of central importance to sustainable development in the Mekong Region, including in terms of environmental impacts, social wellbeing, and economic growth. From mid-2021 to early-2022, CSDS and AMPERES collaborated with 24 researchers from academic institutions, think tanks and civil society organizations to prepare thirteen ‘thinkpieces’ that explore the opportunities and challenges to sustainable and just electricity transformation in the Mekong Region.

Each think piece contributes a layer of evidence and insight to understanding the dynamics of electricity in practice in the Mekong Region, ranging from analysis on the regional scaled plans for electricity trade, to examination of the national level processes on power development planning and its outcomes, to local level opportunities and challenges for decentralized off-grid electricity solutions.

The aspiration of this collaborative initiative was not to assemble a consensus report, but rather to gather diverse viewpoints on the opportunities and challenges in attaining ‘sustainable and just electricity transformation’ in the Mekong Region. The report aims to set out some new terrains for the electricity debate at scales that range from the local to the regional, and is intended to stimulate public debate on the wide-ranging social, ecological and economic implications of electricity planning.

For the Official digital version of the book, please download here.