Wonders of the Mekong Impact by the Numbers A regionally rooted, globally recognized initiative, Wonders of the Mekong integrates scientific research, policy engagement, education, and community action to protect Southeast Asia’s most vital river system. The project is conducted in close collaboration with local people—from more than 40 communities—who help design, implement, and share the results of research and conservation efforts.
Impact by the Numbers
More than 40 communities participated in project conservation, research, and monitoring efforts
100+ community events and training workshops
Over 60 peer-reviewed, open-access scientific publications
More than 5,000 students and professionals trained in conservation science
Three rediscovered, newly described, or "most on record" freshwater fish species
Over 30 stories featured in National Geographic
More than 1 billion global media impressions annually
Two major dams re-considered through science-based cost-benefit analysis
Over 5,000 youth mobilized through anti-plastic campaigns across Cambodia
Bold Achievements
Largest Freshwater Fish Ever Recorded Boramy, a 300-kg giant freshwater stingray tagged and released in 2024, broke the Guinness World Record. This achievement was only possible through deep collaboration with local fishers and riverside communities, who played a vital role in the discovery and release. It led to global media coverage—including in Science and Nature—and contributed to formal habitat protections and the designation of the Cambodian Mekong as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA).
Rediscovery of ‘Extinct’ Megafish The giant salmon carp (Aaptosyax grypus), unseen since 2005, was confirmed through fisher-led monitoring and local knowledge networks. This rediscovery directly resulted in new protections from Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration.
Plastic and Water Quality Breakthroughs Groundbreaking studies on the “plastisphere” and Tonle Sap Lake metabolism—powered by community-based sampling and data collection—quantified daily plastic loads and informed regional policy dialogue and standard-setting.
Broader Impacts and Benefits to Society Policy Informed legal protections, hydropower development decisions, and fish migration corridor planning that support biodiversity, fisheries, and livelihoods.
Science Advanced understanding of endangered species, ecosystem metabolism, and water quality—strengthening the foundation for healthy rivers and healthy people.
Education Built Southeast Asia’s largest cohort of Mekong-focused MSc and PhD students, from diverse provinces across Cambodia—training the next generation of environmental leaders. Community Empowered fishers, youth, and local leaders as long-term stewards of river conservation through participatory research, education, and advocacy.
Wonders of the Mekong sets a global example of scalable, science-based conservation—grounded in local collaboration and bridging biodiversity, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
