, Upper Reaches of the (Deqin)

There is also significant evidence of ecological changes and loss of livelihoods in the upstream of the Mekong in north-western and southern Tibet. Previous research and development activities carried out by government, NGOs and academics have put more emphasis on southern as the core representative area of the thus creating a gap in understanding the real issues that exist in the upper reaches. Supporting investigative research and creating partnerships that will pay attention to this critical area, in terms of impacts on local livelihoods and ecological transformations such as tourism, infrastructure development, World Heritage sites, the logging ban and upland conversion programs will enhance our understanding of watershed governance and livelihood variance and fill the knowledge gap.

General Objectives:To facilitate the development of integrated watershed management approaches and practices and to improve the capacity and capability of indigenous people for sustainable livelihoods by means of sustainable watershed management in the Mekong Region.

A. Nan-A

1) To enhance the understanding of upstream and downstream dynamics of the Nan-a watershed and its larger implication within the Mekong;

2) To improve the understanding of water use and water rights within the upper Mekong River through a case study of the Nan-a watershed;

3) To raise local awareness of watershed dynamics, particularly water quality changes;

4) To explore an appropriate model for integrated watershed management and its governance in a participatory approach and build local capacity and capability in watershed management;

5) To improve ecological heath of the watershed with local participation;

6) To contribute to sustainable local livelihood development.

B. Deqin

7) Fill the gap in knowledge of the upper reaches of the Mekong to understand local livelihood transformations, watershed governance and the overall context between southern and northern Yunnan.

Both projects aim to:

8) Strengthen the partnership between CBIK, Oxfam America, local communities, local government and other local NGOs.

Project report and activities: