The Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project works in 4 key areas:

  1. Threat reduction
  • Developing regulations in conjunction with the Government to protect the dolphins and their habitat
  • Proper management and setting of regulations in the dolphin-watching ecotourism industry
  • Working with communities and NGOs to ensure effective and sustainable management of local fisheries, and the implementation of dolphin conservation into their activities
  • Providing alternative sources of livelihood for fishing communities in partnership with the Cambodian Rural Development Team
  1. Education and awareness
  • Ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of regulations set regarding dolphin conservation
  • Displaying educational signboards and materials for Cambodian residents and tourists
  • Holding discussions with the local communities about social factors influencing potential conservation strategies
  • Carrying out educational village workshops and school visits for communities adjacent to core dolphin habitats
  1. Research
  • Conducting boat surveys and intensive photo-identification studies
  • Focusing on dolphin mortality rate (especially the high calf mortality rate), dolphin population, ecology and the impacts of dolphin-watching ecotourism on dolphins
  • Researching on the impact of climate change on the Mekong River
  • Assessing population viability
  1. Cooperation and regional coordination
  • Teaching local communities about dolphins and environmental conservation issues
  • Building cross border co-operation between stakeholders at the trans-boundary dolphin pool and developing a trans-boundary conservation strategy
  • Establishing a community trans-boundary pool conservation group
  • Developing community fishery management zones to help sustainably manage fish and conserve dolphins