Chiang Khong, Thailand – “When I was a kid, my mom would always remind me to be careful when swimming, because there were so many fish in the river, she was worried they might bump into me,” recollects a local villager of the area home to the confluence of formerly abundant Pak Ing and Mekong Rivers. “But now, they are all gone.” His words underscore a troubling decline in fish populations, particularly for species like the giant catfish, which are struggling to spawn due to disrupted habitats.
The Mekong River, one of Asia’s most significant waterways, flows over 4,300 kilometers through seven countries: beginning in China, it winds its way through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before reaching the South China Sea. This vital river not only sustains local economies but also creates habitats for countless fish species, bird populations, and wildlife such as otters, softshell turtles, and freshwater dolphins. The river’s flow carries nutrient-rich sediments and diverse fish species from upstream to the lower basin, feeding millions of villagers and residents who rely on it for agriculture and food security.
On Oct. 24, 2024, a group of two Duke Kunshan undergraduate students and an alumnus had the opportunity to experience the life, culture, and environmental challenges surrounding the Mekong River Basin. The group was guided by Professor Kaley Clements and Jiawen Cai, Senior Coordinator of Undergraduate Academic Activities, on their travels to Chiang Khong, Thailand. The group stayed with the Mekong School, an organization dedicated to community-based learning and local environmental governance.
During their stay, on Oct. 25, the group visited the confluence of the Pak Ing River and the Mekong River, a site emblematic of the pressures facing local fishing practices due to up and downstream dam constructions. The construction has affected fish populations and reduced the amount of sediment reaching downstream regions. Sediments are crucial for maintaining fertile agricultural land and healthy river ecosystems. Their loss is one of many cascading effects on local biodiversity and the livelihoods of those who rely on the river.
The Impact of Industrialization
Beyond environmental concerns, the socioeconomic fabric of the local communities is fraying. In the village where the group stayed, no new children have been born in nearly a decade, as younger generations migrate to urban areas for work opportunities. “They think there are no fish left, and they can’t make any money here,” a local resident says. This shift reflects the broader implications of industrialization, and the challenges faced by communities as traditional livelihoods become increasingly unsustainable.
As an international waterway, the Mekong poses unique challenges for governance, with environmental policies upstream affecting ecosystems and communities downstream. During a focus group discussion in the Ing River Village, Chak Kineesse, bird researcher and Mekong School volunteer, emphasized the need for adequate policies that recognize both global and local impacts: “In a free political dynamic system, it is vital to reconsider the effects of industrialization on nature and local communities. We must ensure that human rights and ecosystems are respected both globally and locally.”
A Call for Local Action
For DKU students, this journey into the heart of Chiang Khong offered not only an education in environmental science but also a chance to see the complexities of governance, industrialization, and climate change’s impact on one of Asia’s most vital rivers.
In a conversation with DKU students at the Mekong School, director Kru Tee encapsulated his vision for the future, saying “think global, do local.” This philosophy underscores the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing broader environmental challenges. By fostering a deep understanding of the unique circumstances surrounding the Mekong River, Clements says “the power of local action is crucial in striving for a sustainable relationship between people and nature.”
