Empowering sustainable mainstream dams
Welcome to the central digital hub for the Mekong River Commission's Preliminary Design Guidance (PDG 2022). This platform provides a range of resources to support the understanding and application of the PDG to member countries, developers, and communities with practical guidance across 8 key topics on how to design and operate dams to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental and social impacts while supporting the region's expanding energy needs.
Download the full PDG 2022 (PDF)
Explore the Hub
The PDG consists of 8 key technical topics relevant to sustainable mainstream dams and hydropower in the Lower Mekong Basin, with a focus on regional and transboundary issues. Select a topic below to find specific topic guidance, documents and videos.
Hydrology and Hydraulics
Sediment Transport and Geomorphology
Water Quality
Aquatic Ecology
Fish and Fisheries
Dam Safety
Navigation
Riparian communities and River-Based LivelihoodsUnderstand the PDG
Access information on the history of the PDG, how it was developed, how the MRC is applying the PDG in practice through the Procedure for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA) and training videos and practical supporting materials