Community-led conservation delivers benefits for people and nature in Laos
The river of 4,000 islands
In the southern part of Laos, the Mekong River branches off into a set of braided channels that weave around a myriad small islands and sand banks. This is Siphandone – a 50km stretch of the Mekong River that‘s also known as ‘4,000 Islands.’
Siphandone is one of the most unique riverscapes in Laos, with majestic waterfalls, flooded forests, tropical dry, lowland forests and rocky rapids that provide habitat for over 200 fish species, including the Mekong giant catfish, as well as the freshwater stingray, Asian giant softshell turtle and green peafowl - all of which are endangered.
Rich in natural resources, the wetlands are of great socio-economic importance to so many people, supporting livelihoods and food security for over100,000 individuals.
A changing landscape
Biodiversity loss, unsustainable development and climate change are all impacting Siphandone, its critical ecosystems and the communities whose livelihoods and prosperity depend on this hugely important ecological area.
Siphandone communities are facing sudden and slow-onset weather events - an outcome of the combined effects of climate change, infrastructure developments , increased urbanisation, upstream deforestation and sand mining.
“In terms of the impact of climate change in the area - I would say that it’s mainly drought and flooding and then riverbank erosion that is getting worse,” says Amphone Phommachak, Siphandone Priority Site Coordinator with WWF-Laos.
“When we talk about the drought, it affects the agricultural production of the communities. The main livelihood of the people in Siphandone is agriculture, rice growing and livestock farming so when there is drought, there is less rain compared to the past to sustain these activities.”
Floods and droughts have had immediate implications on local livelihoods, forcing community members to deploy a range of unsustainable short-term coping mechanisms to maintain an income. With most community members working in fisheries and agriculture, this often means increased use of chemical fertilisers to improve harvests – which risks run-off into the river systems. This has also led to clearing or conversion of forests and riverbanks into farming plots and an increase in fishing, including illegal fishing methods, which all place additional strain on Siphandone’s finite natural resources and comprise the integrity of the wetlands.
The compounding effect of these challenges has contributed to a significant loss of biodiversity. The Irrawaddy dolphin –only found in Siphandone–is now extinct and fish species that the communities rely on for food and livelihoods are depleting quickly.
“Ancestors would say, ‘Leave a pot, and the fish will jump into it.’ However, this is no longer the case due to the impact of overfishing and the use of modern fishing equipment,” says Mr Khammon Tonboun, Deputy Head of Don Khon Village
“This decline is attributed to destructive practices like electrofishing, draining or even the use of explosives by individuals exploiting a ravine. Over time, as the number of fish decreased and these harmful activities continued, the once-thriving fish population declined.”
Building resilience in the Mekong
In the face of these changes and the implications on natural resources and livelihoods, WWF-Laos is supporting local communities to restore and protect critical ecosystems that make up the Siphandone wetlands, as part of a nature-based solution to climate change.
This includes restoring flooded forests and riverbanks to safeguard against erosion, regenerating degraded landscapes and protecting areas from land conversion or clearing. In addition, the establishment of fish conservation zones (FCZ) helps to protect fish stocks and preserve this food and income source for communities. Through the project, nine fish conservation zones, covering 86ha of Siphandone, have been established so far. These form part of the nearly 80 zones throughout the region that have been developed by WWF-Laos and the Laos Government.
Flags marking the boundaries of the fishery conservation zone ©WWF-Australia / Thomas Broadhurst
“The local communities create it (the fish conservation zone) with support from the project in a certain river area, which they see as a ‘deep pool’ for breeding and feeding and regeneration of the fish in the river,” says Amphone.
With greater depth compared to surrounding parts of the river, these deep pools offer protection for fish eggs and juveniles from currents, extreme temperatures and other threats. With fishing prohibited in the FCZ area, this is a sanctuary for fish populations to replenish.
Mr. Khammon, the Deputy Village Head, is also part of the community-led river patrol that conducts monitoring activities up to eight times a month to monitor compliance.
So far, there have been no major infringements. Most instances have involved those from communities outside the FCZ who are unaware of the rules, with first offenders given a warning.
“When we encounter them for the first time, we approach the situation with understanding and good intentions. We explain the importance of river conservation.”
“The local authorities and conservation efforts have been contributing to the awareness raising on the importance of the ecosystem in this area, which has resulted in better understanding and greater support from the communities.”
As a result of the FCZ and river patrol efforts, the community has observed an increase in fish populations. The overflow of this is felt in areas outside the conservation zone, with a survey of fishers finding a 44% increase in catch per unit in 2024 compared to the previous year. This is a promising sign for the community and contributes to increased food and livelihood security.
“Our conservation efforts in this area play a vital role in preserving fish, shrimp, snails and other aquatic species, especially during their breeding seasons, ensuring they can pass on to the next generation,” Mr Khammon explains.
Community river patrol ©WWF-Australia / Veronica Joseph
Climate resilient livelihoods
The FCZ also extends across parts of the river surrounding neighbouring island, Don Phapheng. Here, Mr Ma, a local farmer has observed many changes in Siphandone over the years. He explains: The environment has changed significantly over the years. In the past, we could sustain ourselves entirely with the living expenses we earned from traditional professions like fishing and catching crabs to sell. Those professions no longer exist as they once did.”
As a result, the project also critically focuses on supporting climate-vulnerable and natural resource-dependent communities to become more adaptive through diversified and resilient livelihood activities.
Through a community-managed village development fund, community members who may have limited or lack of access to conventional banking can gain access to microloans. This offers much-needed capital to pursue new livelihood activities. Such activities can help diversify the household’s income streams, creating greater economic security. At the same time, these activities may also deliver environmental benefits and reduce the strain on overused natural resources.
Mr Ma, Don Phapheng resident ©WWF-Australia / Thomas Broadhurst
For instance, a loan has helped Mr Ma and wife, Ms Throvg expand their farming plot to grow small-scale sugar cane crops. The couple used the loan to pay for labour to help plant and manage the sugar cane. The crop is rain-fed and does not use agrochemicals.
Once harvested, the crops were sold and funds from this were used to further diversify their farming, increasing their income-earning potential.
“The primary source of income is from sugar cane. However, when planting bananas and corn, we use sugar cane as the initial source of funds to support these new crops in the first year,” said Mr Ma. “We cannot rely on one crop alone, as doing so might not be sustainable.”
As an adaptable farmer, Mr Ma is always looking to explore new farming options. Now in his 70s, his focus is on activities that meet his needs and are lower maintenance.
“It’s clear that my current focus should remain on the banana and sugar cane gardens, as they are the most viable crops for my land. While raising larger livestock such as ducks, cows and buffaloes may not be feasible, I am considering smaller-scale livestock like ducks and chickens,” adds Mr Ma.
Mr Ma and others who have taken out loans make monthly repayments to the village development fund. The interest generated from these repayments funds patrolling activities in the FCZ, contributing to a sustainable model.
Mrs Throvg, Mr Ma’s wife with their small-scale sugar cane crops ©WWF-Australia / Veronica Joseph
Building community resilience for future generations
“It's really important for the local community in Siphandone to improve their livelihood, adapt themselves to the change of climate and build resilience for both people and nature,” explains Amphone.
WWF-Laos’ approach seeks to reduce pressure on Siphandone’s unique biodiversity and work with communities to protect and restore the wetland ecosystems and its natural resources. At the same time, supporting access to alternative and diversified livelihoods through microloans enables community members to earn a secure and steady income which can improve one’s ability to adapt to the effects of climate change, including weather changes like droughts or floods.
Nature-based solutions can help build community resilience, both socially, economically, and ecologically – for now, and future generations, as Mr Khammon reflects: “We want to uphold the old saying that coming to Khone Village means coming to the land of rice and fish, a slogan passed down by our ancestors.”
This project is supported by Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN) and the Mekong Australia Partnership — Water, Energy Climate.
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