For whom the river is home

Culturally diverse

The river system is home to great cultural diversity, with more than 95 distinct ethnic groups living in the Mekong basin. The vast majority of these people are heavily dependant on the river and its natural resources.

This point is clearly illustrated by the fact that aquatic resources account for up to 80% of the animal dietary protein of the basin's population. The fisheries of the Mekong are estimated to be worth over US$ 1,500 million per year.