Aquatic threads: Unraveling the impacts of microplastics on Mekong’s water and food security

The SUMERNET Young Professionals (SYP) Thai National Event, themed “Aquatic threads: Unraveling the impacts of microplastics on Mekong’s water and food security,” serves as a crucial platform for networking and collective learning. It brings together the SUMERNET Young Professional (SYP) and young leaders in Thailand, all united by a common goal to create positive societal and environmental impacts.

Microplastics represents a significant global concern, posing serious threats to ecosystems by contaminating land, air, water, and food webs. While plastics offer numerous advantages, their extensive use has led to pervasive pollution. The degradation of plastics into microplastics severely affects the hydrosphere, including major water bodies such as the Mekong River, thereby compromising water quality and biodiversity. Furthermore, microplastics infiltrate the food chain, impacting the health of various species.

Despite considerable attention given to studying microplastics in marine environments, their presence in freshwater systems like the Mekong River has not been as thoroughly examined. This gap in research is concerning, given the equally detrimental effects of microplastics on human populations and ecosystems in these freshwater environments. The urgency of addressing this issue is underscored by the direct impact of these pollutants on communities that rely on these water resources for their daily needs, including drinking water, agriculture, and fishing.

This event will provide a space for young leaders and like-minded individuals to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and develop innovative solutions to address the pervasive issue of microplastics. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to raise awareness and drive action towards mitigating the impact of microplastics in the Mekong Region. Together, we strive to forge a path toward a more sustainable future for the Mekong River and its surrounding communities.

Objectives:

• To foster a sense of urgency and collective responsibility among SYP members about the problem of microplastic pollution in freshwater resources and Mekong tributary rivers in Thailand
• To facilitate learning opportunities, knowledge sharing and network among Thai young leaders and young professionals
• To strengthen the SYP network and discuss how SYP can move forward as a platform for young professionals in the Mekong Region

Language

This event will be held in Thai language.

Participation

The event is targeted at SUMERNET Young Professionals members and other young leaders between age 18–35 years old in Thailand who can communicate Thai language fluently. Onsite participants are reserved for those residing in Bangkok or nearby, limited to total of 20 participants on a first come first serve basis.

• Online: Zoom meeting from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Registration link)
• Onsite: Stockholm Environment Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand (Registration link)