Mekhong river is an international water originating in the Himalaya Range and flowing through six countries: China, Myanmar, Lao P.D.R.,Thailand , Cambodia and Vietnam. More than 200 million people directly depend upon the river for their living.Especially,the river has been a prime source for fishes. At present, the river is under the verge of being depleted due to the degradation of watershed areas, over-fishing and development projects on the river basins.These has eventually affected the ecosystems of the river and consequently the livelihood of the people who depend upon the fishes and other resources in the river.

Giant catfish is an indicator of the critical degradation of Mekhong River.Based on the statistics recorded at the Hard Khrai port,Chiang Khong District, the number of the fish caught in 1990 was 69 whereas in 1997 is only 4.

The dwindling number of caught fish is the result of

(1) the degradation of the ecosystem in the river as a whole
(2) the over-fishing to respond to the higer demand for food
(3) the number of fisherman is increasing
(4) the effect of major dam constructions across the river in southern part of China which obstructs the up-north migration of the fish in laying egg season

Even though efforts have been made to solve the problem by artificial Breeding since 1984, the result has not been considered successful.The catfish such bred are unable to reproduce eggs and sperms which are required in natural breeding process.

In the attempt to solve the problem in the river, it is necessary to plan for both short and long term, especially plan to raise conservation awareness among the communities is necessary.

The above-mentioned situation has emerged the project Mekhong River Protection so as to launch activities to sustainably protect the river.The project could contribute to the achievement of objectives set forth by GEF in the focal area of International Water as the criteria of the project is suitable for further protection of the river both in short and long term as follows:

(1) the project is implemented by the concerned communities which can be replicated at other locations along the river and its basins
(2) the project launches activities that aim to raise awareness and educate youths in Chiangkhong District. In the future ,these youths will play important roles in conjunction with communities in conservation of giant catfish and natural resources in the river
(3) the project strategically selects the giant catfish to represent to the public the richness of the Mekhong river.Since giant catfish is the largest fresh water fish in the world, it is best represent the idea which leads to the protection of the river.

Activities to be carried out under project:

(1) To launch campaigning activities such as photos, apparatus and data & information regarding
? history of giant catfish fishery in Mekhong River and Ban Hard Khrai
? features and significance of giant catfish
? significance of ecosystems and species in Mekhong River
? fishing apparatus around Chiangkhong District
? ways of live and indigenous knowledge concerning the exploitation of Mekhong River
(2) To produce tracts conveying the significance of giant catfish and the ecosystem of Mekhong River.The tracts will be distributed in conjunction with the admission to the exhibition
(3) To organize camping training for 100 stuedents who represents schools in Chiangkhong District so that they understand and realize the real situation and significance of giant catfish and consequently lead to the protection of Mekhnong River.
(4) To construct the conservation ponds for giant catfish.The pond will be of the natural environment as similar to the its origin as possible.
(5) To construct the Mekhong River Conservation Exhibition Centre

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

(1) Ban Hard Khrai Committee as an owner of the project site contribute the land area of 5.5 ha to the project
(2) The Wildlife Fund Thailand as advisor in construction of exhibition centre and exhibition process in the centre
(3) The Chiangkhong Touring Business Club as an advisor in general matters.
(4) Primary schools in Chaingkhong District who will participate in youth training.

Anticipated results of project:

(1) The number of fisherman in Ban Hard Khrai decreases which will subsequently decrease the rate of
exploitation of natural resources in Mekhong River.
(2) The increasing number of students who realize the significance of giant catfish and critical degradation of Mekhong River.
(3) There emerges a place for reproduction of giant catfish which is as similar as possible to the natural environment and useful for information on ecosystem of Mekhong River.
(4) There emerges an exhibition centre for ecosystem of Mekhong River and way of life of fisherman along the river which contributes to the education of local youths and other population.