Cambodia is ramping up its conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra has called for collaborative action from citizens and local authorities to safeguard these unique freshwater mammals.
The Irrawaddy dolphins, listed as critically endangered by the IUCN since 2004, are a vital part of the Mekong River's biodiversity. Their presence attracts tourists, creating jobs and income for local communities in the Stung Treng and Kratie provinces.
As of 2024, approximately 105 Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit a 180-km stretch of the Mekong. Encouragingly, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported four new dolphin births in the first two months of 2025, with no reported deaths, signaling positive momentum for the conservation efforts.