Impacts of Declining Water and Fishery Resources on the Livelihood of Fishers and Farmers Downstream of Sayaburi Dam (Laos) and Hau River (Vietnam)

Abstract

The paper aims to assess the impacts of the hydropower plans, economic activities, flow dynamics, water quality, nutrient sediment, habitat fragmentation, and aquatics biodiversity of the river that influence the livelihoods of local fishermen. The two study areas of Sayabouly Province (Laos) and Hau River (Vietnam) were selected to conduct the study. The study explored the connection Mekong’s farmers and fishers have with their water resources and how the changes of water resources from the river affect the biodiversity of fishes and livelihoods, income, and food security and shape cultural worldviews. The study also reconnected the link between the natural resources and policies that rural people need to strengthen their livelihood strategies so they can thrive, provide food for themselves and urban populations, and ensure the environmental integrity of the Mekong basin for future generations. The changes in water quantity and quality, biodiversity, and fish production of the local communities in the Lower Mekong River have direct and indirect impacts on the livelihood of the communities. The study found the impacts of water quantity and quality on the livelihood of local communities through the impact on biodiversity and aquatic production. The findings contribute to the current knowledge gap by providing scientific information to policymakers to prevent the consequences of water insecurity on the natural ecosystem and the livelihood of local fishers and farmers in the study areas.