Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Aims for Ecological Balance Amid Hydroelectric Development

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), initiated by China in 2015, involves China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Experts emphasize the need for ecological mutual support alongside economic growth. The region faces challenges from hydroelectric dam construction, which alters river flow and impacts local communities. The LMC seeks to enhance cooperation on water resources, promote sustainable development, and balance interests among upstream and downstream countries to ensure fair use of the river's resources.

Published Mar 20, 2026

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) was launched by China in 2015 with participation from China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The initiative aims to strengthen economic, cultural, and political relations while addressing ecological concerns.

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The Mekong River has been increasingly dammed, with China constructing six major dams upstream. Dams offer benefits such as drought mitigation and electricity but also pose risks to local communities and river ecosystems. The LMC has developed institutional frameworks and aims to promote sustainable water resource management, sharing of river data, and regional infrastructure projects to ensure the ecological integrity of the Mekong River.