The State of the Basin Report 2003

　　"Small developments may be having more impact on the river basin than one or two large ones," said Mr Joern Kristensen, CEO of the MRC Secretariat at the report launch. "Getting the right kind of data is a crucial first step for successful cooperation."

　　River flows affect the reproductive cycle of many fish species, which are triggered to migrate and spawn when the waters rise. Fisheries and wetland products are an important food and income source for at least 80 per cent of the Lower Basin's population of 55 million.

　　Although average seasonal flows have levelled out, flooding is still a major issue in the river basin. Average wet season flows have declined but the frequency of flooding has not reduced. Unusually high flooding brought devastation to many parts of the river basin in the years 2000 and 2001.

　　The State of the Basin Report 2003 is the first major report to be released in six years on the state of water and related resources of the Lower Mekong River Basin. It was produced by the Mekong River Commission as part of its ongoing work of reviewing the condition of the river basin.

　　The report launch, held on 26 August to coincide with a meeting of donors, was attended by many in the government, press and diplomatic community.