Enhancing Aquatic Habitats in Upland Environments

Abstract

The project purpose is to undertake research designed to address water insecurity in the upland areas of Laos and Cambodia where limited water resources have a direct impact on the food systems essential for achieving food security. For upland areas, water insecurity affects the successful reproduction of aquatic organisms commonly used as foods.   Erratic rainfall and short periods of drought can substantially reduce reproduction success of aquatic organisms, especially in the highlands which are already severely challenges by the physical nature of the terrain directly leading to food insecurity of human populations.   The upland areas are particularly challenged as rain quickly drains off slopes reducing the capacity of aquatic organisms to complete their life cycles.  The Lao PDR is very vulnerable to natural disasters, including extreme weather events which have been increasing in frequency and intensity. Similar weather events have been affecting Cambodia. Among the lower Mekong Basin countries, Laos and Cambodia have been identified as the most vulnerable, in part because of their limited capacity to cope with climate related risks.