Sustainable Development in the Lower Mekong Region

The research focuses on specific aspects of hydro-
ecological integrity of the Mekong River Basin and specific trans-boundary resource problems and conflicts.

In the Mekong Basin physical and human geographies intertwine and require analysis as both a geopolitically divided and a shared hydro-ecological entity. Rivers are full of life and bring life to the land.

The Mekong River provides a diverse and vibrant system around which people have structured their livelihoods and used environmental resources for centuries. Local communities rely on wild capture fisheries for their basic food along with rice and other food grown along the river’s fertile banks.

During the monsoon season the river floods its banks depositing alluvial silt in the surrounding countryside. Some parts of the basin have intensive river-bank gardens and use river water to irrigate paddies and fields. Thus, hydro-ecological integrity is intimately linked to local issues of livelihood and environmental security.

Fish is central to the livelihoods of many communities in the Mekong Basin and are highlighted by the Mekong River Commission as being “the milk of Asia”, central to the livelihood and food security of millions of people.

The research will examine hydro-ecological, transboundary and livelihood security aspects of fisheries in relation to other land-use and river-use changes.