This project aims to examines ‘anticipatory evidence’ generated in IAs that have informed decision-making towards the planning, design, construction and operation of large hydropower dams in the Mekong basin. IA have become international best practice promoted through Official Development Assistance and incorporated into national law, including in the Mekong Region. IAs produce ‘anticipatory evidence’ towards the environmental, social, and economic implications of proposed infrastructure projects, informing decision-making on whether and how to proceed. IAs propose responses to the issues identified as ‘management plans’ (MPs) to be implemented.

Transboundary governance of the Mekong River is now at a transition point. The river’s hydrology, ecology and river-dependant livelihoods are now significantly shaped by large dam operation. The emphasis is shifting from generating anticipatory evidence to inform pre-project decision-making to post IAs monitoring, including of MPs.  By focusing onto Xayaburi (Laos) and Pak Mun (Thailand) dams, our project will enable us to understand the life-span of IAs at different points in time in the policy process. The study will seek to understand which evidence has been taken forward, which one has been disregarded and why. We also ask whether the anticipated impacts were correct, underestimated or overestimated.

The research is important given the global use of IAs as best practice. We will co-construct solutions for addressing evidence in dam policy making through deep dives, workshops and visual storytelling,