In few places on Earth do so many depend on one river for so much.
The Mekong River is the lifeblood of 300 million people across Southeast Asia — but this unique ecosystem faces collapse from overfishing, unsustainable development and poor agricultural practices.
Conservation International is working with governments and communities from China to Cambodia to protect the forests and wetlands that feed the system, to minimize the impact of forest degradation and loss as well as dams and other water diversions, and to improve management of fisheries to ensure that the Mekong basin can continue to feed millions sustainably.
Why is this area important?
Food we eat
The Greater Mekong has been called Asia’s “fish basket” and its “rice bowl.” The Mekong River produces 4.5 million metric tons (9.9 billion pounds) of fish every year, contributing about 80% of the protein consumed in the region’s households. The freshwater system is also critical for growing rice, which provides more than half of the daily caloric intake in countries across the region.
Water we drink
From its source in the Tibetan Plateau to its end in Vietnam, the Mekong River is a critical source of drinking water for the millions of people who live in its watershed.
Jobs and prosperity
What if you depended directly on nature to live? In the Greater Mekong, this isn’t a hypothetical question. There, some 80% of the population relies on forestry, agriculture or fishing for their livelihoods. In Laos, for example, more than two-thirds of the population is employed in the agricultural sector.
What are the challenges?
The continued loss and degradation of forests throughout the Mekong River basin has major implications for the river, for its wildlife, and for the climate. Large-scale drivers such as agricultural expansion and small-scale drivers such as fuelwood gathering and illegal logging are slowly eroding the region’s forests — and the countless benefits that they provide to people.
More than 100 dams are planned or under development along the Mekong River and its tributaries. Dams bring energy to underserved communities — but poorly planned and operated dams can also harm the health of the river, reducing water flows and water quality, and putting wildlife and people’s livelihoods at risk.
The Mekong is one of the richest sources of freshwater fish in the world – yet overfishing — including the use of destructive and illegal fishing gear, destruction of natural fish nurseries and other poor management practices — are widespread. This has decreased average fish size and diversity, threatening the livelihoods and nutritional base of millions.
Our Solutions
Conservation International has worked across the Greater Mekong region since 2001, helping to protect nature and the benefits it provides: food, safe drinking water, renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods. Through protected area management, community engagement and long-term financing, we work to ensure that the watershed’s mountains and forests can continue to safeguard the water that supports life downstream.
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Tonle Sap Lake: Conserving Cambodia’s Fish Factory
CI is working to ensure that Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake and its floodplains remain healthy. We focus on improving the well-being and economic resilience of the “floating villages” atop the lake.
© Kristin Harrison & Jeremy Ginsberg -
Cambodia’s Central Mountains National Park
Cambodia’s forests cover nearly 40 percent of the country and are vital for the well-being of local communities. But poor enforcement of laws against deforestation is leading to the rapid loss of these forests. CI is working to restore and protect Cambodia’s rich forest habitats.
© CI/photo by David Emmett -
Cambodia's Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary
Conservation International is working to protect this critical forest for people, nature and climate in Southeast Asia.
© Jeremy Holden -
Ecotourism benefits all in the Veun Sai forest
CI supports ecotourism, primate research and ranger training in Southeast Asia’s last pristine forest.
© Kristin Harrison & Jeremy Ginsberg
Cambodia is ecologically rich. Forest covers nearly half of the country. 80% of the nation’s 15 million people directly rely on nature for their livelihoods. Conservation International has worked in Cambodia for nearly 20 years. We work with the government, local communities and partners to maintain and protect the country’s most vital remaining forests, rivers, and lakes — for the benefit of the planet, and for the people of Cambodia. Learn more at www.conservation.org/cambodia
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