Rapid economic growth in the Lower Mekong region has accelerated the flow of foreign direct investment at unprecedented rates, bringing crucial development finance and reducing poverty rates. At the same time this growth has increased natural resource extraction and infrastructure development. New investments in large-scale infrastructure and agriculture can have significant negative social, environmental and economic consequences if not properly planned and managed.

In response, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding the Mekong Partnership for the Environment. This four-year, $15 million project ending in 2017 helps advance informed multi-stakeholder dialogues on the social and environmental costs and benefits of large-scale development projects in the Lower Mekong.