Project Abstract
This project aims to quantify the extent of the potential impacts on hydrological and ecosystem services provided by the Mekong River and its tributaries from large scale disruptions (dams, climate change, and irrigation) to the natural flood regime. The work builds on studies and modeling done by the Mekong River Commission (MRC - www.mrcmekong.org) and others. Alternative modeling system to quantify the integrated hydrological changes affecting the Mekong hydro-ecological system are being developed. The integrated hydrological modeling will feature an Ecosystems Functions Model which will be applied to understand the degree of water and sediment transport changes and their implications on productivity, food security, biodiversity, and economic impact in the region.
