In 2006, the NEF launched its new programme aiming at promoting nature conservation in developing countries. The programme is divided into two components: one is scientific research working with local scientists, and the other is conservation activities working with local NGOs and citizens' groups. Under the new programme, the NEF facilitates scientific research and conservation activities in the Mekong - Chao Phraya basin region by sponsoring researchers and conservation groups in the four countries of the region: Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam.
From ancient times, people in the Mekong - Chao Phraya region have lived by relying on natural resources from rivers and associated environments. Biodiversity is fundamental to the viability of such natural resource-based rural livelihoods, as it provides water, places for living, and sources of food, including agriculture and fishery. On the other hand, various species of flora and fauna in the region have developed a lifecycle in particular types of habitats in close relationships with humans, such as rice paddies, reservoirs, irrigation canals and grazing fields.
Those natural environments influenced by human intervention play an important role in providing refuges, nurseries and other critical habitats for populations of insects, fish, birds and other organisms. Although each habitat may be spatially small, the diversity of wildlife species is maintained in a complex natural environmental web. In other words, local residents contribute to biodiversity conservation as they are involved in their day-to-day activities for production, including traditional agriculture and fishing practices.
However, as the demand for social and economic development grows together with high concentrations of human populations, the pressures of unplanned development are increasing within the region, causing direct threats to such important environments. Economic development is significant for people's wellbeing in the region. However, we have learnt lessons in different parts of the world that improving economic opportunities has negative effects on the natural environment and wildlife.
Balancing nature conservation with economic growth ? we know that it is a challenging task. However, given the fact that the majority of residents are engaged in primary industries and their livelihoods depend on natural resources, economic development must be planned with consideration for nature and ecosystems. Immediate action needs to be taken for conservation of the rivers and associated environments.
Formulation of effective policy to pursue development while conserving nature requires a good scientific understanding of wildlife and their habitats. Resource managers and decision makers need scientific information on the availability of resources, management options, and consequences of those options. However, our knowledge of nature is not enough: we do not have basic information on the status of wildlife in the Mekong - Chao Phraya region.
In order to fill this gap in knowledge, the NEF launched a new programme it calls the 'Comprehensive Programme for Conservation Research and Activities'. Under this programme, the NEF started a five year project called the 'Basic study on the aquatic fauna and flora, and conservation activities participate in by local residents', consisting of research and conservation activities. This project intends to contribute to nature conservation and sustainable resource use in the Chao Phraya region. The NEF supports scientists at local institutions in their scientific research on aquatic wildlife as well as local NGOs and citizens' groups that work on conservation in Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam. |
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