Abstract: "Environmental
Issues and Recent Infrastructure Development in the Mekong Delta"
Complete Paper (pdf 1.38MB)
The Australian Mekong Resource Centre (AMRC) has produced the fourth
in its series of Working Papers. The aim of this Working Paper is to identify
significant environmental issues in the Mekong Delta with a particular
emphasis on those related to recent infrastructure development.
Initially the paper examines environmental issues which arise from natural
conditions in the Mekong Delta, and which pose a constraint to human activities.
This is followed by an analysis of infrastructure development interventions
in terms of their rationale and assumptions, and actual and potential
environmental problems arising from them. The discussion then establishes
a conceptual basis for understanding the environmental problems arising
from recent infrastructure development by viewing them as symptoms of
disruptions to the functioning of a dynamic biophysical system. Scale
issues pertaining to these environmental problems are identified, and
the likely implication of future environmental change explored. The paper
concludes with recommendations for future infrastructure development interventions
within the delta.
© 2005 Australian Mekong Resource Centre |
