Scientific research influences national policy on hydropower dams in Cambodia
Project Lead: Eric Baran
Lead Center: WorldFish
SRP/Theme mapped to: Managing River Basin Equitably for Livelihoods and the Environment
Outcomes:
Along the Mekong river, many large-scale hydropower dams are being planned, built or operated. These dams can have long-term negative impacts on society and the environment including reducing fish catch in countries with already high levels of malnutrition, blockage of passages for migratory fish, and ecosystem destruction. Policy-makers and development planners often lack scientific information to inform their decisions on dam construction or placement. WorldFish has conducted numerous research studies to fill this gap. These research studies have significantly contributed to the shaping of Royal
Government of Cambodia’s approach to hydropower development in Cambodia as well as upstream in the Mekong river basin, with the government instituting “mitigation strategies” to minimize dam impacts.
Outputs:
The following outputs have been produced:

WorldFish, Natural Heritage Institute, University of Leeds 2014: Policy brief on the impact of the
Lower Sesan 2 dam in Cambodia, prepared for the Technical Working Group on Fisheries in
Cambodia. 8pp.

IFReDI 2013. Food and nutrition security vulnerability to mainstream hydropower dam development in Cambodia. Synthesis report of the FiA/Danida/WWF/Oxfam project “Food and nutrition security vulnerability to mainstream hydropower dam development in Cambodia”.
Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Fisheries Administration, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia. 44 pp.

Baran E., Samadee S., Teoh S. J., Tran T. C. 2013 Fish and fisheries in the Sekong, Sesan and
Srepok Basins (3S Rivers, Mekong waershed), with special reference to the Sesan river. Chapter in Meynell P.-J. (ed.). Optimizing hydropower? – Exploring multiple use options for water resources in hydropower cascades. Challenge Program on Water and FOod and International
Center for Environment Management, Hanoi, Vietnam, 59pp. In press.

Gätke P., Baran E., Fontes Jr. H. M., Makrakis S., Makrakis M. C., Saray S. 2013 Fish passage opportunities for the Lower Sesan 2 Dam in Cambodia - lessons from South America. Chapter in
Meynell P.-J. (ed.). Optimizing hydropower? - Exploring multiple use options for water resources in hydropower cascades. Challenge Program on Water and Food and Internal Center for
Environmental Management, Australia. 29 pp.
http://www.optimisingcascades.org/fish-passage/

Baran E., Chheng Phen, Ly Vuthy, Nasielski J., Saray Samadee, Touch Bunthang, Tress J., Kaing
Khim, Tan Sokhom. 2014. Fish resources in Cambodia (2001-2011). Chapter 4 in: SCW (ed.): Atlas of Cambodia - socio-economic development and environment. Save Cambodia's Wildlife,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Baran E., Un Borin. 2012. The importance of the fish resource in the Mekong River and examples of best practice. P. 136-139 in Gough, P., P. Philipsen, P.P. Schollema & H. Wanningen, 2012.

From sea to source – International guidance for the restoration of fish migration highways.
Regional Water Authority Hunze en Aa’s. Veendam, The Netherlands. 301 pp.

Baran E., Un Borin. 2012 Current status of the giant catfish Pangasianodon gigas. P. 228-229 in
Gough, P., P. Philipsen, P.P. Schollema & H. Wanningen, 2012. From sea to source –
International guidance for the restoration of fish migration highways. Regional Water Authority
Hunze en Aa’s. Veendam, The Netherlands. 301 pp.

Baran E., Chum Nith, Fukushima M., Hand T., Hortle K.G., Tuantong Jutagate, Bin Kang. 2012.
Fish biodiversity research in the Mekong Basin. Pp. 149-164 in Nakano S., Yahara T. and
Nakashizuka (eds.): The biodiversity observation network in the Asia-Pacific Region: toward further development of monitoring. , Ecological Research Monographs, Springer, Tokyo, Japan.
479 pp.

“Mekong: the progress traps,” video documentary by Daniel Vin on the impact of dams on food security. Funded by the Ecole de la Paix and the Challenge Program on Water and Food Science. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBik2Ve7ILw&feature=youtu.be
Partners and Consumers:
The following partners helped achieve the outcomes:

Cambodian and International NGOs as part of the Technical Working Group on Fisheries in
Cambodia (an official framework for coordination between development partners and the government in addressing fisheries sector issues): endorsed and/or co-financed specific studies on hydropower development and fisheries, disseminated the findings of the studies, and advocated for recommended policies through media engagement and own communication channels to the governments and Mekong River Commission.

Donor agencies operating in Cambodia and the Mekong region, specifically the European
Union who co-chairs the Technical Working Group on Fisheries with the Cambodian Fisheries
Administration: Facilitated a shared understanding among the working group members of the risks associated with hydropower development and preparation of official responses to specific policy dialogues, and disseminated WorldFish policy briefs to Cambodian ministries and advocated for recommended policies.
The following stakeholders utilized the research outputs:

Cambodian NGOs

Donor agencies operating in Cambodia

Cambodian government agencies including the Fisheries Administration and Ministry of
Environment
Output Usage:
Development partners and donor agencies utilized WorldFish research to understand and advocate for the impact of rapid hydropower development in the region and its potential negative impact on ecosystems and food security of Cambodia.

Then, supported by additional WorldFish research, Cambodian NGOs and donor agencies in Phnom Penh began to influence Cambodian Fisheries Administration and Ministry of Environment , asking them to become more actively engaged in the Mekong hydropower debate. The NGOs and donor agencies urged the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and Lao government to increase transparency on proposed hydropower projects. At the request of the Cambodian government, WorldFish scientists helped the
Fisheries Administration prepare an official response for the Cambodia National Mekong Committee to
MRC on the proposed Xayaburi and Don Sahong dams in Lao PDR. This research then contributed to
Cambodia’s official position on these two dams.
In early 2014, European Union (EU) representatives in Cambodia requested that WorldFish produce a policy brief on the potential impact of the proposed Lower Sesan 2 dam. This policy brief was provided to the Cambodian Prime Minister, the Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, and the Minister of Environment by the EU Ambassador. As a result, a feasibility study on constructing a fish pass has been approved and funded for implementation next year.
The EU efforts in using the WorldFish policy brief also helped soften the stance of some ministries towards civil society groups regarding hydropower dams. In June 2014, the Minister of Environment invited WorldFish and other Cambodian NGOs to meet and the Minister requested an information briefing to use in developing their own recommendations on hydropower dams for submission to the
Prime Minister.
Evidence:
Radio

Work underway on 'catastrophic' Cambodian dam. Deutsche Welle 10/05/2013. Interview.
http://www.dw.de/work-underway-on-disastrous-cambodian-dam/a-16803423

Mounting concern in Cambodia over hydropower project. 08/05/2013. Radio Australia.
Interview.http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/connect-
asia/mounting-concern-in-cambodia-over-hydropower-project/1127772

Work begins on controversial Cambodian dam. Voice of America, 07/05/2013. Interview. http://www.voanews.com/content/work-begins-on-controversial-hydropower-
dam/1656035.html
Written media

Mekong dams threaten extinction of giant catfish. Radio Free Asia, 19/06/13. Interview.
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/dams-06192013184629.html

Hope amid the dams and dangers. New York Times. 28/5/2013. Interview. http://scientistatwork.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/28/hope-amid-the-dams-and-
dangers/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

Cambodian greens see red in upcoming dams. Gulf Times 25/05/2013 Interview. http://www.gulf-times.com/environment/231/details/353963/cambodian-greens-see-red-in-
upcoming-dams

Mekong mystery: dwindling fish. New York Times, 23/5/2013. Interview.
http://scientistatwork.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/23/mekong-mystery-dwindling-fish/


Controversial Cambodian dam set for construction. ABC, 08/05/2013. Interview. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2013-05-08/controversial-cambodian-dam-set-
for-construction/1127738
Lessons Learned:
Advocating for sustainable hydropower dam development is a daunting task, especially in a controlled, political environment. WorldFish adopted a non-confrontation approach to addressing sustainability with stakeholders by producing high quality scientific research that illustrated key facts and outcomes and provided multiple recommendations for mitigation. This has enhanced their relationship with key governmental agencies. Additionally, WorldFish relied on partners to disseminate and amplify the research. The use of partner networks increased the level of influence and reach of key science outputs.