Reading with the Rivers: Community Learning Centers for Ecological Conservation of the Mekong

Описание: Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia Regional Office joined a study trip to Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan in northeastern Thailand, organized by The Mekong Butterfly – a civic group that promotes conservation and protection of natural resources, environment and ecology in the Mekong basin. We learned about local initiatives of establishing Community Learning Centers to promote rehabilitation of ecosystems of the Mekong River and its tributary the Songkhram River. Throughout our journey, representatives of the learning centers spoke to us about the importance of wetland ecosystems and biodiversity of these vital rivers for communities’ livelihoods and about ecological changes posed by large-scale projects, including hydropower development. Especially community women play an important role in collecting information and promoting conservation of ecosystems. The centers educate next generations and the public and underline the need for community-driven, inclusive, just and sustainable development. The Mekong is considered as “the river of life” and the Mekong’s people should have the freedom to define how the river’s natural resources should be used, as well as engage in decision-making about their sustainable future.

The Mekong Butterfly is one of the hbs Southeast Asia’s long-term partners in promoting ecological and social justice in the region.

Languages: Thai (with English Subtitles)
Video, Sound, and Editing: Anuscha Engchuan, Tipakson Manpati
Content and Interview: Tipakson Manpati
Concept: Tipakson Manpati, Daniel Abunales, and Marion Regina Mueller
Subtitles: Tipakson Manpati

This video is licensed under Creative Commons License (CC-BY-NC-SA-ND 4.0) by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia, 2025.

This video is part of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia series on #EcologyAndSocialJustice. For more information, please visit th.boell.org

#mekong #mekongriver #songkhramriver #ecology #conservation #communitycenter #local #initiative #thailand #southeastasia #river #environment