Posted on December, 26 2025
- Representatives from Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) and Salavan (Lao PDR) came together for a transboundary exchange on fisheries and natural resource management.
- The meeting brought together over 50 government representatives and partners from both provinces.
- Discussions highlighted shared challenges and opportunities in managing cross-border fisheries and ecosystems.
- The exchange emphasized the potential for stronger provincial-level cooperation on either side of the Mekong River.
WWF-Laos and WWF-Thailand jointly supported a transboundary exchange on fisheries and natural resource management between Salavan Province, Lao PDR, and Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand.
Held on 17 December 2025 in Ubon Ratchathani, the exchange brought together more than 50 participants, including government officials from fisheries, forestry, and protected area agencies, district authorities, community representatives, and other relevant partners, with over 20 participants from Lao PDR. The exchange provided a platform for provincial and district authorities, technical agencies, and partners to share experiences, lessons learned, and practical approaches to managing shared fisheries and natural resources along one of the Mekong River’s most ecologically important stretches.
The meeting was officially opened by the Vice Governor of Ubon Ratchathani Province, underscoring the importance of sustainable fisheries management and the protection of aquatic and forest habitats. Discussions highlighted the shared responsibility of both provinces to safeguard natural resources within and alongside the Mekong River, which remain essential for food security, biodiversity conservation, and local livelihoods.
A Shared Landscape for People and Nature
At the heart of this cooperation is the Mekong River, which forms a natural boundary between the two countries and connects two nationally protected areas: Phou Xieng Thong National Protected Area (NPA) in Salavan Province, and Pha Taem National Park (NP) in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Together, these sites form a unique transboundary landscape that supports rich aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity while sustaining river-dependent livelihoods on both sides of the river.
Importantly, Phou Xieng Thong NPA has recently been recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park, making it one of only three sites in Lao PDR to receive this prestigious regional designation. Recent fish catch monitoring and a fisheries survey conducted in 2024 recorded at least 120 fish species in the Mekong in and around Phou Xieng Thong NPA, highlighting the area’s outstanding aquatic biodiversity and its importance for fisheries conservation in the lower Mekong.
From Dialogue to Action
Government officials from both provinces shared an overview of fisheries and forest resource management, including protected areas and fisheries along both sides of the Mekong River. WWF-Laos and WWF-Thailand also presented how ongoing projects support aquatic conservation and habitat protection, particularly through the establishment and management of Fish Conservation Zones (FCZs).
To date, over 15 FCZs have been established in the area with WWF support. Project activities include patrols, capacity building, and support for fisheries regulation enforcement, alongside efforts to strengthen community livelihoods and climate adaptation. These actions aim to ensure tangible benefits for both people and nature while reinforcing sustainable resource management.
Participants also exchanged practical experiences in fisheries co-management, enforcement challenges, community engagement, and protected areas. Discussions emphasized how effective FCZs, combined with stronger compliance with fisheries regulations and close collaboration with local communities, can help restore aquatic populations while balancing conservation objectives with sustainable livelihoods.
Looking Ahead
The exchange also highlighted the potential of eco-tourism as a complementary approach to conservation – supporting local livelihoods while encouraging people to appreciate and value nature through direct experience. Participants acknowledged shared challenges, including illegal fishing, habitat degradation, climate-related impacts, and increasing pressure on natural resources, and emphasized the importance of addressing these issues collectively.
Beyond technical discussions, the meeting reinforced the importance of building trust and strengthening communication between fisheries and protected area authorities in the two neighbouring provinces. It also laid the groundwork for continued coordination, information sharing, and future joint learning between Salavan and Ubon Ratchathani.
WWF’s facilitation of this exchange reflects its long-standing commitment to transboundary conservation in the Mekong region. By working closely with government agencies, local authorities, and communities, WWF supports integrated approaches that recognize the inseparable links between forests, rivers, fisheries, and people – helping to ensure lasting benefits for both nature and livelihoods along the Mekong River.
