International
Climate Initiative (IKI)

The Mekong is one of the longest rivers in the world. Its wetlands are among the most important natural carbon sinks in Southeast Asia and their ecosystem services are crucial elements in the lives of millions of people. However, no effective regional management cooperation exists between the 24 identified Ramsar areas in the Mekong region and this is why the project is carrying out a weak points analysis and developing management plans to improve the climate change resilience of ten areas. The knowledge gained is shared with the remaining 14 Ramsar areas. The project also provides further training and grants to support joint action between municipalities and authorities, sets up platforms for exchanging information on wetlands, uses case studies for political lobbying and seeks to exert greater influence for the protection of wetlands by means of publicity measures at national level./