Overview: Innovative approaches to building resilient water infrastructure in the Mekong region

This overview summarises the main points contained in the five chapters of the publication on Innovation for Water Infrastructure Development in the Mekong Region. Chapter 1 provides a snapshot of the key socio-economic and environmental challenges facing the Mekong River and underlines the importance of transboundary initiatives to address these challenges. Chapter 2 explores the benefits of innovative financing models enabled by technologies, such as crowdfunding and tokenisation. Chapter 3 analyses infrastructure investment needs and focuses on spillover tax revenues to boost private sector participation. Chapter 4 presents a variety of initiatives that could enhance the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of natural disasters, putting particular emphasis on community engagement and digital tools. Chapter 5 completes the picture with a discussion about the weaknesses of water and wastewater regulations in the Mekong countries and highlights a few priority areas for reform.