Cambodia: Bun and Vantha (both 60s) are part of an Aquaponics pilot project in their village. The pilot gives local villagers the opportunity to grow vegetables in a climate resilient way that can then be used to support their household expenses. Photo: Patrick Moran/Oxfam. Oxfam acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Mekong Region
Oxfam supports communities in the Mekong Region to overcome poverty and inequality.
The Greater Mekong Region covers areas of Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with a total population of over 300 million people. The Mekong River Basin is one of the most important international river basins, flowing through six countries and covering nearly 5,000 kilometres. More than 72 million people live within the basin, and the majority depend on the river and its natural resources for their livelihoods.
The region’s rapid economic growth is built upon resource extraction and development, which are undermining the health of the river systems. The associated risks and benefits are not shared equally within and between countries; While the economic benefits go to governments, the private sector, urban populations and upstream countries, the negative impacts fall on rural, forest and riverine communities, particularly women and girls, people experiencing poverty, remote and ethnic minority communities and those living downstream. These rural communities are also particularly vulnerable to extreme weather such as floods and drought, which are exacerbated by climate change.
Key focus areas
Gender Justice
Climate Justice
Our projects in the Mekong Region
The development of water infrastructure such as hydropower dams can fundamentally change the land and waters that riverine communities depend on for their livelihoods and well-being. Oxfam is supporting communities in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam to engage in decision-making on water resources through policy dialogue that is inclusive of women, local people and civil society.
This project is supported by the Australian Government and the Swiss Government.
Climate change is challenging traditional systems for managing extreme weather like storms and floods. Oxfam is supporting vulnerable riverine communities in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to reduce the impacts of climate change by helping them to plan and implement approaches to address disaster and climate risk. Local authorise are also supported to help the communities prepare, and hydro-meteorological data is shared to support informed planning.
This project is supported by the Australian Government.
Climate change is impacting the entire Mekong region, and a regional response is essential. Oxfam is supporting ASEAN member states with high climate vulnerability and low access to affordable electricity – Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines and Vietnam – to influence national energy policies through ASEAN processes and direct engagement with policy makers and investors.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.
Cambodia: Bun and Vantha (both 60s) are part of an Aquaponics pilot project in their village. The pilot gives local villagers the opportunity to grow vegetables in a climate resilient way that can then be used to support their household expenses. Photo: Patrick Moran/Oxfam. Oxfam acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Donate to support projects along the Mekong and beyond
Oxfam works with communities in the Mekong Region and around the world to tackle the inequalities that fuel poverty. You can join us.