Wonders of the Mekong has engaged with over 5,000 people through

training workshops; has supported education opportunities and exchanges with

over 50 partner institutions; and co-produced over 50 peer-reviewed studies that

improve the regional and global economy and environment. 

The Wonders of the Mekong project strengthens U.S. leadership in environmental

science and security through strategic investments in education, research, and

technology. By fostering deep collaborations between U.S. and Mekong regional

universities, sharing expertise, and deploying American-made innovations, the

project bolsters global stability and prosperity while countering the influence of

geopolitical competitors.  

The project implements a comprehensive approach to capacity development,

integrating research, training, and community engagement. Through direct

investment in student scholarships, infrastructure, university partnerships, and

specialized training, Wonders of the Mekong advances regional expertise while

promoting U.S. knowledge, products, and technology.

Advancing U.S. Expertise through Higher Education

Collaborating with top Mekong region institutions, the project supports a new

generation of scientists. These scholars pursue degrees and training in critical areas

such as natural resource management, water security, and sustainable fisheries

practices, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.

Their work not only expanded scientific knowledge but also reinforced U.S.

leadership in global economic models and sustainability efforts.

Beyond academic research, Wonders of the Mekong scholars played active roles in

education and public outreach. They supervised students, organized conservation

awareness events, and leveraged innovative U.S. methodologies—including

unmanned aerial systems and remote sensing—to improve fisheries management.

These efforts demonstrate the utility of American scientific approaches in solving

the world's most pressing and complex environmental and social challenges.

Infrastructure Investments and American Technology in Action

The project made strategic investments in state-of-the-art research facilities,

ensuring that U.S. technological advancements drive Mekong conservation efforts.

Key achievements include:

— A limnology laboratory featuring U.S.-made technologies such as Fast

Limnology Automated Measurement (FLAMe) systems and bioacoustic

monitoring tools, which enhance water quality and fish migration studies.

— The Collection Room at Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), a vital

biodiversity research repository that also serves as a public education hub.

— Fish breeding programs at RUA, supporting sustainable economic opportunities

while preserving native fish species.

These investments solidify U.S. scientific and technological leadership in the

Mekong region, ensuring that American innovations shape global conservation

strategies.

U.S. University Collaborations and Leadership in Global Conservation

Through high-impact partnerships with U.S. institutions such as Utah State

University, Michigan State University, and the University of California at Santa

Barbara, the project amplified American leadership in sustainability research,

policy, and training. Key collaborations included:

— The establishment of the Center of Excellence on Fisheries and Aquatic Science

for Sustainability (CE FASS) at RUA, a U.S.-backed initiative to drive research,

inform policy, and train future conservation leaders.

— Enhancements to Royal University Phnom Penh’s (RUPP) environmental

sustainability education, ensuring that students receive advanced theoretical and

practical training aligned with U.S. academic standards.

— U.S.-led mentorship programs, high-impact scientific publications, and

actionable policy briefs that strengthen global discussions on resource

management.

Workforce Training and Public Engagement

The Wonders of the Mekong project delivered specialized training to students,

researchers, government officials, and local communities, ensuring that US

expertise is embedded at all levels of society. These programs covered:

— Technical workshops on environmental monitoring, and ecological assessments,

equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills.

— Public engagement activities, including educational events and school-based

conservation workshops, fostering awareness of fisheries sustainability, water

quality, and biodiversity.

— Advanced research training in acoustic telemetry and field methodologies,

ensuring that local scientists apply world-class techniques in their work.

By investing in people, knowledge, and technology, the Wonders of the Mekong

project not only enhances regional security and economic resilience but also

promotes a safer, stronger, and more prosperous United States. This initiative

highlights the value of U.S. partnerships and scientific leadership, ensuring that

conservation efforts reflect American values and counter the influence of strategic

competitors.