1st Edition
Rules, Norms and NGO Advocacy Strategies Hydropower Development on the Mekong River
There is much controversy over the development of new dams for hydropower, where concerns for environmental protection and the livelihoods of local people may conflict with the goals of economic development. This book analyses the opportunities and barriers that NGOs and civil society actors face when conducting advocacy campaigns against such developments.
Through a comparison of two NGO coalitions in Cambodia and Vietnam advocating against the Xayaburi hydropower dam on the Mekong River, the book explores the intricate interactions of formal and informal rules and norms and how they influence advocacy strategies. A framework for analysis is proposed which serves as a tool for analysis by civil society actors. The author generates fresh insights into the way in which opportunities and barriers are created for NGOs to influence state-centric decision-making processes.
The book also discusses Mekong riparian states’ negotiation process over the Xayaburi hydropower dam in detail, providing an analysis of the Mekong River’s governance under the 1995 Mekong Agreement. The book concludes by suggesting ways to improve the engagement of civil society actors in the governance of transboundary rivers and development projects.
1. NGOs and Environmental Governance
Role of NGOs in transboundary water governance
Objective and structure of this book
References
Part 1: Research Design
2. Analysing NGO Advocacy Strategies
Chapter introduction
Understanding rules and norms
Understanding advocacy strategies
Understanding NGOs
Understanding influence of rules and norms on actors’ behaviours
Chapter Conclusion
References
3. Framework for Analysis: NGO Coalitions Along the Mekong River
Chapter introduction
Analytical framework
Case studies: NGO coalitions along the Mekong River
Chapter conclusion
References
Part 2: Biophysical and Material Conditions, Actors, Rules and Norms
4. Biophysical and Material Conditions
Chapter introduction
Resource perspective of the Mekong River
Hydropower development on the Mekong River: historical perspectives
The Xayaburi hydropower dam
Potential impact from the Xayaburi hydropower dam
Chapter conclusion
References
5. Actors
Chapter introduction
Regional actors
Actors in Cambodia
Actors in Vietnam
Chapter conclusion
References
6. Rules and Norms
Chapter introduction
Formal rules at the Mekong regional level
Formal rules in Cambodia
Informal rules in Cambodia
Formal rules in Vietnam
Informal rules and norms in Vietnam
Chapter conclusion
References
Part 3: Strategies and Interactions
7. The Xayaburi Dam Story
Chapter introduction
The initial 6 months of the PNPCA process
The Xayaburi scaling up to a high political agenda
Post MRC Council meeting
Chapter conclusion
References
8. Strategies Targeting the Mekong Regional Decision-makers
Chapter introduction
Strategies adopted by the RCC and the VRN
Comparative analysis
Chapter conclusion
References
9. Strategies Targeting National Decision-makers
Chapter introduction
Strategies adopted by the VRN
Strategies adopted by the RCC
Comparative analysis
Chapter conclusion
References
10. Strategies Targeting Stakeholders in Affected Areas
Chapter introduction
Strategies adopted by the RCC
Strategies adopted by the VRN
Comparative analysis
Chapter conclusion
References
11. Strategies Targeting General Public
Chapter introduction
Strategies adopted by the VRN
Strategies adopted by the RCC
Comparative analysis
Chapter conclusion
References
12. Conclusion
Chapter introduction
Patterns of interactions between formal and informal rules and norms
Contribution to the body of knowledge
Barriers and opportunities
Suggested areas of future studies
References
Biography
Yumiko Yasuda is an environmental and water governance specialist. She was a researcher for the Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK. She has previously worked for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Southeast Asia.
"In addition to benefits, the accelerating pace of development in the Mekong region is creating many conflicts and perverse outcomes from natural resources development. In this contested space it is critical to understand how non-government voices can contribute to better government decisions. Yasuda’s book provides exceptional insights into how civil society can constructively influence institutions in Cambodia and Vietnam." – Jamie Pittock, The Australian National University, Australia."Recent times have witnessed a resurgence in hydropower developments, particularly evident throughout the Mekong River Basin. This book is therefore extremely timely, and significant in its focus – namely the interface between formal and informal norms, and the advocacy strategies of NGOs and civil society actors. The book is a must read for both scholars and practitioners interested in the role of NGOs within decision-making processes." – Alistair Rieu-Clarke, University of Dundee, UK.
"This intriguing study of Cambodian and Vietnamese NGOs as advocates against Mekong River dams provides important insights into the ways in which NGOs influence, but are also influenced by, the norms and rules of the societies and transnational contexts in which they are located." – Philip Hirsch, University of Sydney, Australia.
