Environmental Issues in the Mekong River Region : A Mitigation Model Based on Information Communications Technology

Riccardo, Corrado and Audrey, Liwan and Upalat, Korwatanasakul (2022) Environmental Issues in the Mekong River Region : A Mitigation Model Based on Information Communications Technology. In: 10th International Borneo Business Conference 2022 (iBBC) 2022), 19-21 September 2022, Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak.

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Abstract

The Mekong River Basin region is extremely dependent economically on the Mekong River, which supports fisheries, agriculture, energy production, mining, and industries along its path. These activities, in many cases unregulated and uncontrolled, have been causing environmental damages to the river, with several many human activities having affected the river’s flow, its chemical composition, and the biosystem. In addition, one of the major issues that have sharply rose in the past years is the increasing number of dams deployed for energy production, which are severely disrupting the water flow downstream, causing droughts and flooding in the lower river path areas. Education and financial-related interventions represent traditional ways to tackle these issues affecting the Mekong River. But there are also more rooted approaches, involving and inducing a behavioral change in the people, offering alternative solutions to monitor environment while shifting toward alternative energies. In support of these approaches, Information Communication Technologies (ICT) can represent a common pivotal element. Yet, a multi-dimensional application of ICT to tackle environmental issues related to the Mekong River can foster a change, but only if a common approach and framework are agreed upon and followed by all the involved actors. To answer to this, in this paper, a three-pillar model of approaches is presented, leveraging on ICT affordances. This mitigation model is based on three pillars: behavioral approach, smart approach, and alternative energy approach. The proposed model should represent a starting point in the stakeholder’s discussion for the creation of a shared roadmap.

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