6. Wetlands in the Greater Mekong Delta

The loss of wetlands in the Greater Mekong Delta is astounding! Today, only 2% of the original natural wetlands remain. Loss and destruction of wetlands is projected to be as high as 96% in Thailand while in Cambodia and Laos, this loss is at 45% and 30% respectively. The Greater Mekong is home to many endangered species including the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin, crested gibbons, tigers, and saola or the Asian biocorn, one of the world’s rarest mammals. Aside from the biodiversity impact, the disappearance of the wetlands in the Greater Mekong also threatens the communities that subsist on the wealth of these natural resources.