Political Ecology of Mekong River Development

在这一试点和协调项目下举行了两次国际研讨会。第一次研讨会题为“从中国云南看湄公河发展”，重点讨论了湄公河中国部分的发展政策和现状。在国内经济增长的支持下，中国正试图进入东南亚，湄公河开发项目被视为一个推动力。对于下游国家来说，中国的发展政策仍然被视为一种承诺，一种焦虑，甚至是一种威胁，尤其是在涉及环境问题时。中国与其他沿岸国需要加强对话和信息交流。第二次研讨会“湄公河精神：新概念中的陈词滥调”，邀请了来自所有沿江国家的研究学者、非政府组织成员和政府官员。两次专题讨论会提出了若干问题，有待进一步讨论。(1)特别是大坝建设，前者现在已经过时和不恰当，计划限制了适当的发展。计划的不完全实现往往使情况变得更糟。(2)区域对抗仍有可能发生，但是（因此）迫切需要建立一个分享关于发展的信息或观点的系统。“治理”和“地方主义”可能是其中的关键概念。(3)考虑到中国在该地区的地缘政治和经济影响力，中国成为事实上的关键参与者。(4)该系统应是自下而上的方式，以反映地方对发展和环境保护的看法。

Two international symposiums were held under this pilot and coordinating project. First symposium, entitled "Mekong River Development Viewed from Yunnan, China", focused on policy and current situation of development in Chinese part of Mekong river. Backed by the growth of her domestic economy, China is trying to have access to Southeast Asia, and Mekong river development project is regarded as a driving force. For the countries downstream, China's development policy is still regarded as a promise, an anxiety and even a threat, especially when environmental issues are concerned. More dialogues and exchange of information are needed between China and other riparian countries. Second symposium "Mekong Spirit: The Cliche" in new Concepts" were so planed, inviting research scholars as well as NGO members and governmental officers from all riparian countries. Several issues were emerged from two symposiums to be discussed further. (1)As for dam construction particularly, the former, now out-of-dated and impertinent, plan constraints proper development. Partial realization of plan often made the situation worse. (2) Regional confrontations are still potential, however (and therefore), the system to share information or views on development are urgently needed. "Governance"' and "Regionalism" might be key concept for this. (3) China becomes de facto key player, considering her geo-political and economical influence in the region. (4) The system should be bottom-up-ways to reflect local perspectives for development and environmental conservations.