Reducing Threats

System planning: Sambor campaign and free flowing river section is maintained. This phase will urgently take up the issue of water infrastructure that is posing an immediate threat to river dolphin populations. This is especially critical in the case of the Irrawaddy dolphin subpopulation in the Mekong River. The initiative will support activities to prevent construction of the Sambor and Stung Treng dams in the core habitat of Irrawaddy dolphins.



Mapping polluters and habitat degraders. The initiative will map all major polluting industries and identify critical sectors in river dolphin habitats. This will develop a baseline and key industries to be targeted for adoption of water stewardship and transformation of their business practices, which will improve water quality in dolphin ranges.



Sustainable fisheries. A carefully targeted and practical review of fishery policies and laws in the river dolphin range countries will be conducted, with recommendations for specific changes needed to reduce the impacts of fishing on the dolphins.