The+Mekong+River

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**__ The Mekong River __** __ By Liam Slabber and Lewis Carmody 5H __

 The Mekong River is the twelfth longest river in the World. It is located in Asia and runs through six countries. The Mekong River is one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world. Its history dates back centuries. The river faces issues both man-made and natural.

** The Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in Asia. ** The River begins in Lasagonma Springs, China. It flows through six countries and discharges into the South China. The Mekong River is 4,909 kilometres long. It flows through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.


 * The Mekong is rich in plant, animal and human life. ** Although the Amazon has a higher Biodiversity level, the Mekong has a higher biodiversity level per square metre. The Mekong already has more than 1200 species of fish but there could be as many as 500 more species still to be discovered.


 * The Mekong has significant cultural background and history. ** The 1st century Indianised Malay Culture are the native people along the Mekong River. The first people to discover the Mekong were a group of Portuguese sailors led by Antonio De Faria in 1540.

** The Mekong is used by humans living along the river and dams are built to help manage the water. ** Dams along the Mekong are common especially in China. More than six dams have been built along the Mekong and there are more under construction. Many people rely on the water in the Mekong especially in Cambodia.


 * The Mekong is facing issues such as drought, overfishing and dams ** . There are currently two dams being built, and there are already six dams along the Mekong. Dams are problems because they cost a lot and they affect the livelihoods of villagers. The Mekong River is at a 50 year low of freshwater. Farmers are being forced to re-grow crops because of this extreme lack of irrigation water. Due to extreme overfishing there is a minimal amount of the Giant Mekong Catfish. The other species in danger of being classified as an endangered species are: The Giant River Carp, The Freshwater giant Stingray and the Siamese Giant Carp. The debate over overfishing is a mixed argument because local fishermen need money for themselves and their family but they are killing off all the Native species.

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