To understand the ecosystem of the Mekong River, a pilot project was established to measure several parameters which should be at key sites with appropriate frequency.  These parameters include: biological - algae, aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, and fish; chemical - general water quality (e.g. nutrient content, temperature, pH, DO, etc.), carbon cycle (e.g. TOC, bicarbonate, etc.) and other harmful chemicals; hydrological - water levels, water velocity, water circulation, etc.  The objectives of this pilot project are to:

• further survey appropriate monitoring sites, frequency of monitoring requirements and parameters to be measured.
• build up the international collaboration system including national nodes.
• standardize methodologies and construct a quality control system.
• survey the capacity of member countries to undertake hydrology, waterquality and biodiversity studies in each country.
• identify capacity building requirements in participating countries.
• develop a database and information sharing system.