In Washington, ‘Mekong Days’ Put River in Focus

Advocacy groups, environmentalists and policy-makers discussed for five days on events surrounding Mekong River issues in Washington. “Mekong Days,” a series of talks, films and other events seeks to highlight issues in the region, where some 60 million people live. The Mekong River, a major source of food for many in the region, is currently under increased pressure from hydropower dam projects and the potential impact of climate change. Environmental advocates say the dams could hurt fish stocks in the river, even as temperature and rainfall changes threaten agriculture and livestock. (Sok Khemara, Washington)