WWF-Laos works towards securing the integrity of this region by diversifying local livelihoods and building environmental awareness, improving a system of river-related monitoring activities, and developing management plans to guide sustainable long-term planning in the area.
This project is a component of a larger effort that will protect biodiversity, sustainable natural resource use, and ecological functions in the three most important wetland sites on the lower Mekong – the 50-km Siphandone in southern Laos, the 40-km Ramsar Site between Stung Treng, Cambodia and the Laos border, and the 56-km Central Section between Kratie and Stung Treng, Cambodia. Together these areas contain nearly 150 km of the most intact, biodiverse, and ecologically robust wetlands on the lower Mekong
In partnership with the Department of Livestock and Fisheries in Laos, over 30 villages are a part of, and benefit from, the Siphandone project.
These villages are key partners in the set-up and management of Fish Conservation Zones (FCZs), while they also protect the breeding areas and habitat of other aquatic animals.
Expanded livelihood opportunities and alternative sources of income are also being developed to reduce the pressure fishing would otherwise have on fish stocks. These opportunities include building up the skills to raise and vaccinate livestock, as well as planting productive crops.
Looking ahead, the WWF Siphandone project also understands the need to raise environmental awareness if future generations are to become stewards of this special environment. Schools and community groups are targeted for outreach, building support for conservation and an understanding of the project.