Cambodia- Exploring the Mekong River

Article

Cambodia- Exploring the Mekong River

ID # 3754

Hello! My name is Justin and I’m a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Economics. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, I enjoy reading, cycling, snowboarding, and international experiences. During my time at UNC, I’’ve had the opportunity to study ecology in Vietnam, work at an environmental institute in Israel, work with several development organizations in Uganda, and help out with a malnutrition project in Indonesia. I believe that I learn even more about myself and my home when I’m abroad and I love my role as a travelin’’ tarheel. I can unicycle a mile in less than seven minutes but, unfortunately, I still haven’t managed to teach himself to whistle.

(*NOTE: You are no longer able to request this presentation)

Presentation Summary:

In the spring of 2009, I studied abroad in Vietnam in order to examine the ecology of the Mekong Delta. For three weeks, I had the opportunity to join the Minister of Environment of Cambodia as he traveled up the Mekong River to pay river guards of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and check in on various research projects.

From Cambodia’s capital city Phnom Penh to the border of Lao, I experienced firsthand the ways in which this magnificent river shapes the lives of the people living beside it. Traveling from village to village, I learned about the environmental and economic threats to the Mekong River, as well as what the Minister of Environment, in partnership with local communities, is doing to mitigate these threats.

Presentation Details:

This presentation can be catered to a variety of age groups. Depending on the age of the class, I can go into detail about any of the following topics: what it’s like to travel on a boat up a river, Irrawaddy dolphin conservation programs, hydroelectric dams, government structure in Cambodia, common food, the importance of the Mekong River, the effect of climate change on the Mekong Delta.

This presentation can be combined with any of my other presentations listed on this database and the length can be tailored to your personal needs.

Electronic Tools: PowerPoint presentation, videos, recorded sound

Props: cultural clothing, poster prints of photographs, Cambodian currency

Craft possibilities: DIY rice farmer hat, plan your own boating expedition, write Vietnamese tongue twisters

Discussions: develop policy proposals for Irrawaddy dolphin conservation, Mekong River water usage, etc.

Outline

• Intro to Mekong River – (location, history, environmental importance, social importance)
• Explanation of my overall study abroad program
• Phnom Penh – snapshot of Cambodia’s capital city
• Boating – “a day on a boat”
• Village visits – celebrations, ceremonies, living conditions, food, hospitality
• Irrawaddy dolphins – description, explanation of threats, outline of conservation program
• Hydroelectric dams – current situation on the Mekong River, pros and cons, future implications
• Questions
• Crafts/Discussion Time!