The Mekong River is a vital lifeline for over 60 million people in Southeast Asia, and home to a rich diversity of aquatic life. Among these is the Mekong stingray or Mekong freshwater stingray (Dasyatis laosensis), a rare freshwater fish belonging to the stingray family. This species is considered endangered (IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 126983)Endangered (EN)), with very few sightings recorded. Between 2004 and 2006, a research team from the Mekong Fish Conservation Association found only two individuals during their study. In Thailand, the stingray is now mainly found in the upper Mekong River basin in Chiang Rai province, where the river stretches for 94 kilometers. While this area boasts a complex ecosystem, sightings in northeastern Thailand have become scarce, with some areas reporting no sightings for over a decade. Currently, the Mekong stingray faces numerous threats to its survival.

Threats to the Mekong Stingray:

Dam Construction: Dams along the Upper and Lower Mekong disrupt the stingray's migration patterns and breeding cycles by altering the river's natural flow and seasonal water levels.

Pollution: The Mekong River is increasingly polluted by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and plastic debris, impacting water quality and harming the entire ecosystem.

Illegal fishing: Illegal and unsustainable fishing practices, including the use of destructive fishing gear, threaten fish populations throughout the Mekong River. Transboundary illegal fishing activities pose a significant challenge in enforcing regulations and promoting responsible fishing practices.

Habitat Loss: Development along the riverbanks, including the destruction of islands and rapids, degrades critical habitats for the Mekong stingray and other species.

Climate Change: Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns further exacerbate the challenges faced by the Mekong stingray and its fragile ecosystem.

Empowering Communities to Protect the Mekong Stingray:

To address these challenges, the project "Empowering communities with local knowledge and science to conserve species and protect the habitat of the Mekong freshwater stingray in the Mekong River through community participation" was launched with the support of Fondation Segré. This project focuses on three key objectives:

1.Community Empowerment: Recognizing the invaluable role of local communities, the project collaborates with 10 communities along the Upper Mekong River in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, where the Mekong flows for 94 kilometers. This area, despite its ecological importance, has seen a decline in stingray sightings.

38 local fishermen have been trained as citizen scientists, combining traditional knowledge with scientific methods to monitor and conserve the stingray.

These experts have identified 35 stingray hotspots over the past 20 years along the Thai-Laos border.

Ban Don Thi, in Chiang Khong district, serves as a model community, actively working with the Living River Association to protect critical stingray habitat. This area is believed to be a vital breeding ground, as stingrays of all sizes have been observed there.

2.Population and Distribution Surveys: In partnership with Professor Dr. Maslin Osathanuntakul from Chiang Mai University, the project employs eDNA technology to analyze water samples collected from stingray hotspots identified by local fishermen.

11 water samples have been collected, with 14 more planned. This data will contribute to conservation planning and habitat protection.

3.Knowledge Management and Public Communication: The project documents traditional knowledge from 10 communities and disseminates information about the Mekong stingray through various channels:

Two media trips have been organized to raise awareness through online and social media platforms.

15 media outlets have featured stories about the project, reaching over 500,000 people.

Project Achievements:

Establishment of the "Kok Ing Khong Network," uniting communities from three Upper Mekong Basin areas in conservation efforts.

Declaration of a "Fish Conservation Zone and Mekong Stingray Study Area" in Ban Don Thi.

Collaboration of 17 organizations, including 9 local administrative organizations, Chiang Rai Fisheries Office, Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organization, Living River Association, and community networks, in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to protect stingray habitats and conserve other threatened species in the Mekong River. This MOU, titled "Opening of Fish Conservation Zones - Continuing the Mekong River's Legacy," was signed on October 11, 2024, and aims to promote sustainable use and restoration of the Mekong River.

Beyond Stingray Conservation: The project, generously supported by Fondation Segré, extends its benefits beyond stingray conservation:

Community Empowerment: Over 10 communities are actively involved in conserving the Mekong's biodiversity, integrating scientific knowledge with their traditional wisdom.

Ecotourism Promotion: Stingray conservation efforts contribute to sustainable community development by generating income through ecotourism and educational activities.

Sustainable Development Goals: The project aligns with national and global sustainable development goals, particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, empowering local communities, and integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge, this project is striving to ensure the survival of the Mekong stingray and preserve the ecological integrity of the Mekong River for generations to come.