Formal mechanisms already exist to foster regional cooperation on this issue. The most prominent is the Mekong River Commission, which since 1995 has served as an important forum for the four countries of the lower Mekong to discuss how best to develop the river basin. The organization has also carried out extensive technical studies to advise policy makers. But with no real enforcement mechanism, it has so far been unable to resolve transboundary disputes, including those over Xayaburi. The commission stands little chance of influencing the other dam projects.