In A Procedural Framework for Transboundary Water Management in the Mekong River Basin: Shared Mekong for a Common Future, Qi Gao explores procedural implications of integrated water resources management and its application in the Mekong River Basin. As a problem-based study, enlightening conclusions are made based on the increasingly polycentric nature of transboundary cooperation in the Mekong region. The procedural requirements in the Mekong context, both the ideal and practical scenarios are considered, combined with selected case studies.
Qi Gao convincingly asserts the necessity to enhance decision-making processes and suggests procedural legal mechanisms to institutionalize sustainability concepts in transboundary cooperation.
Preface
Abstract
List of Acronyms
List of Figures
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
I The Mighty Mekong: A River at Risk
II Challenge-Response: The Rationale for a Procedural Perspective
III Overview
CHAPTER 2 TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL DEBATE IN THE MEKONG CONTEXT
I Development and Environment: Multifaceted Dilemma
II Existing Decision-making Landscapes: Polycentric Governance and Diverse Actors
III Difficulties, Aspirations and Directions for Mekong Water Management Reform in a Polycentric Context
CHAPTER 3 INFORMATION ACQUISITION AND EXCHANGE ON A REGULAR BASIS
I International Water Law and Selected Cases
II Status Quo and Prospects in the Mekong Region
CHAPTER 4 NOTIFICATION AND CONSULTATION IN GOOD FAITH
I Prior Notification and Consultation on Planned Activities
II Emergency Notification and Cooperation in its Response
CHAPTER 5 ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
I Introduction
II Access to Information and Public Participation under International Environmental Law
III The Development of Access to Information and Public Participation in the Context of the Mekong Region
IV Towards Deliberative Decision-making Processes in the Mekong Region: Regional and Domestic Strategies
CHAPTER 6 TRANSBOUNDARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
I Introduction
II Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Procedures under the International Law
III The Development of Transboundary SEA in the Context of the Mekong Region
IV The Development of Transboundary EIA in the Context of the Mekong Region
CHAPTER 7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
I Summary: A Procedural Framework
II The Effectiveness of Procedural Mechanisms
III Possible Perspectives for Future Research
REFERENCES
INDEX
Qi Gao, Ph.D (2013), University of Western Sydney, is a lecturer of environmental law at KoGuan Law School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She has published several articles on China and Southeast Asia in reputable environmental law journals.