A large part of mainland South-East Asia depends on the Mekong River for food and water security. Fish and rice, which both depend on the river, are the main sources of food for millions of people in the region. Food security and livelihoods are threatened by the construction of hydropower facilities in China, Laos and Cambodia. While these facilities are likely to further the economic development of the region this will come at the expense of traditional farming and cultural practices. While aquaculture and other protein-rich crops could replace existing staple foods, this will require a considerable shift in traditional practices and economic policy.

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