What are threats to the Mekong River?
The most pressing threats are hydropower development, climate change, illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss.
What problems is Mekong facing?
The Mekong River ecosystem is on the verge of irreversible collapse due to the accumulative effects of climate change and increased numbers of upstream dams as well as other human-made activities such as deforestation, sand mining, extensive irrigation for agriculture and wetland conversion.
Why is the Mekong River at Risk?
Two main risks include the obstruction of the estimated 600 migratory fish species that swim to their spawning ground and the trapping of sediment by dams upstream that prohibits the replenishment of the delta’s nutrients.
Why is the Mekong River important?
The Mekong River connects China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam physically and economically. The river is a lifeline for the entire basin, sustaining economies and livelihoods across the entire region.
How did the Mekong river get polluted?
The pollution is due in part to the expansion of rice fields from 3.2 million hectares in 1995 to 3.9 million hectares this year and the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides. Another reason is pond expansion to grow pangasius (basa and tra).