The Ing River is an ecological portion of the Mekhong River, the international water No.55. The Ing sub-basin covers an average area of 7,170 sq. km. in Chiangrai and Phayao Province. The most recent preliminary survey revealed the degradation of the basin as follows:
1.Unsustainable use of natural resources such as deforestation, forest and wetland encroachment
2.Pollution from land-base activities: chemical run-off from agricultural land and community waste disposal
3.Extinction or reduction of water species due to destructive or intensive fishing methods
4.Outbreak of alien species such as cherry shell, sucker fish, and giant mimosa disrupting the natural water ecosystems of the sub-basin
5.Lack of proper participation in natural resources management

Apart from the above-mentioned, forthcoming proposed mega-projects both in the Thai soil and on the Mekhong River itself will definitely produce adverse effects on communities in Thailand, Loa P.D.R., Cambodia, and Vietnam who depend upon the provision of the Mekhong River and its associated ecosystems. In essence, mega-projects and unsustainable use of natural resources are two main issues to be discussed and addressed.

Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects):

1.To support capacity-building of CBOs? and their networks in the Ing sub-basin on wetland management
2.To rehabilitate and conserve wetland ecosystems of the Ing sub-basin
3.To launch campaigns to wider public on the significance and proper approach for wetland management

Activities to be carried out under project:

1.Undertaking capacity-building activities through training, seminar, compiling resources inventories and establishing conservation groups in 7 communities
2.Establishing conservation zones and formulating wetland conservation projects by communities
3.Establishing community learning centre for wetland management
4.Producing disseminating materials such as tracts, mobile exhibition unit, CD, mass media site visit and annual exhibition

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

Phayao Provincial Fishery Office, Phayao Provincial Fresh Water Fishery Station, Phayao Provincial Public Health Office, Northern Regional Working Group on Wetland, Ing Basin Network, SEARIN, Wildlife Fund Thailand, etc

Anticipated results of project:

1.Emergence of work plan in each community, 500 books accounting for the Ing River, seven capable CBOs? ,two community learning centres, more volunteers participating in activities, and disseminating materials for target communities, national /local government agencies
2.Emergence of at leas 10 fish conservation zones
3.At least 10 wetlands are managed in a proper sustainable way by communities