Haliza Abdul, Rahman
(2010)
Mekong river basin and climate change: threats to Cambodia?
Other.
Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan.
(Submitted)
Abstract
Mekong River runs through China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Mekong's
potential has been traditionally utilized both as a source of water and of susteilance, but nowadays it has
become increasingly important for economic growth of countries it irrigates. In recent years, though,
demands for industrialization and growth have put new pressures on the Mekong and its habitats. Most
of the new development is slated to happen within China's border, which will effect the entire river
system downstream including Thnle Sap Lake in Cambodia. The Thnle Sap Lake and its floodplains
provide the source of livelihood and food for millions of Cambodians. Existence of dams, combined
with other detrimental human interference like deforestation and pollution, causes the Mekong water
level to drop, making flooding less viable. Aside from harming fisheries, the dams are putting millions
out of work who make and sell products from the river, including jobs like repairing boats and making
fishing gear. This will be particularly harmful to Cambodia, where so many people depend on fish and
fisheries for food and employment.
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