ENDLESS FLOW OF THE MEKONG RIVER
MEKONG MEDIA FIELD TRIP IN OUR HEART
Day 1 in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Our trip, Mekong Media field trip commenced with a warm welcome at M Square, Mae Fah Luang University. In the opening session, representatives from MFU, the British Embassies in Hanoi and Bangkok, along with DRAGON-Mekong Institute, sparked insightful discussions on sustainable development. We then ventured into the Golden Triangle area, discussing local environmental and cultural challenges. In the evening, we had a cozy dinner and enjoyed local music performances at the community tourism village at Baan Had Bai, fostering a special connection with the land and its people.
Our trip continued with discussions led by Mr. Niwat Roykaew at the Mekong School, followed by a visit to the climate change adaptation-based site in Baan Pa Kha. Moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Apisom Intralawan, our interactions with the project director/coordinator provided valuable insights. We had lunch, graciously provided by the Pa Kha Community, which fostered connections with the locals. Then we engaged in the local people’s sharing for further understanding before we returned to Wanawes.
Day 2 in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Day 3 in Can Tho, Viet Nam
Our Mekong Media field trip continued with a visit to the lively Cai Rang floating market, followed by an insightful stop at the Ocean Cleanup project. We engaged in a panel discussion led by experts, focusing on community engagement in climate change adaptation. After a recap at the DRAGON-Mekong Institute, we traveled to My Khanh ecotourism village for lunch. We continued to visit Abavina organic farming, where discussions centered on women entrepreneurship and community involvement in climate adaptation. Wrapping up the day, we returned to DRAGON-Mekong for reflection and preparation for the next day.
Continuing our trip, we visited Vinh Chau, Soc Trang, where discussions with locals highlighted the impacts of climate change-induced saline water intrusion and drought. Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, these talks provided valuable insights. After a quick lunch, we explored Quoc Vinh wind-based energy production company in Bac Lieu, engaging with company management to explore renewable energy's potential for climate change adaptation. Wrapping up with an open Q&A session, we returned to Can Tho, reflecting on the day's insights.
Day 4 in Soc Trang, Viet Nam
BIG DAY! ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
We started with registration and upbeat welcomes from organizers. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri recapped the Mekong Media Field Trip, followed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Chi Ngon on digitizing climate change impacts. After a tea break, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Nam discussed Vietnam's strategies, and Prof. Dr. Andy Large and Prof. Dr. Andy Henderson shared UK-Vietnam efforts. We explored journalists' ideas and had engaging parallel discussions. The day ended with presentations, Q&A, certificate delivery, and closing remarks from DRAGON-Mekong.
