The Mekong Flooded Forest (MFF) landscape contains a magnificently diverse array of freshwater ecosystems. The river and its expansive floodplains are a vital lifeline for the Cambodian people, providing fish for sustenance, waterways for transportation, irrigation for rice cultivation and a natural buffer against flooding.

However, the significance of the MFF landscape goes beyond our daily needs for survival. The area is also a sanctuary for many globally significant fauna, including iconic mammals like the revered Irrawaddy dolphin and remarkable giants like the Mekong giant catfish, giant carp and giant freshwater stingray. MFF is also home to the elusive hog deer, whose rediscovery by WWF-Cambodia in 2006 marked a pivotal moment in conservation efforts.

We aim to benefit communities by securing land tenures, establishing sustainable financing mechanisms, diversifying livelihood sources and enhancing conservation awareness. We are also combating wildlife crime in key areas, like the Mekong dolphin conservation zone, through improved law enforcement. Other focus areas include implementing sustainable management plans and adopting non-hydro renewable energy sources.

Overfishing in the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake, combined with infrastructure development, is causing extensive damage to fish populations and habitat in our landscape. Land conversion activities and illegal logging are exacerbating habitat loss and displacing communities reliant on traditional lands. These issues contribute to the overexploitation of natural resources and hinder self-governed sustainable resource management efforts. Finally, the illegal wildlife trade poses a significant threat to numerous endangered species, causing further ecological challenges in the region.