Energy political advocacy and research in the Mekong region

Mekong energy policy and MEE Net

Mekong in Finland


The Siemenpuu Foundation Mekong programme is a cooperation programme together with the  Mekong Energy and Ecology Network (MEE Net) that was established in 2007. The programme started in 2009 and it operates in the six Mekong countries, in Burma, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.

In the MEE Net there are six focal points, organisations form each Mekong country. The MEE Net coordination team is based in the office of Foundation for Ecological Recovery, Thailand, where the team has three people working full-time. More information see the sub page Mekong Energy Policy and MEE Net.

In 2011 Siemenpuu support is allocated to country energy studies in Burma, Lao PDR and Cambodia. In its next phase the programme is designed to support energy policy related projects of the network members.

The Mekong programme funding for 2011 is 92 000 Euros.

History

Over the years Siemenpuu has funded about ten projects in the Mekong region. Many of the projects have dealt with energy policy issues. Two alternative approaches in the Mekong region were prepared when planning the cooperation programme: supporting projects under special theme and with the help of experts’ core group/working group, or more political work with a certain partner. The latter was chosen, the partner being MEE net.

In the Mekong region there are countries where the civil society is only just emerging, so the basic principles of the Foundation to support the strengthening of the civil society and protection of environment and human rights are in the focus in the region.

The Service Centre for Development Cooperation, Kepa (one of Siemenpuu’s founding organisations) also launched its programme in the Mekong region in 2007. It focuses on trade policy and development financing. Kepa has also cooperated with FER previously.