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The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins are one of the most endangered wildlife populations in the world, and they face a very high risk of extinction. Irrawaddy dolphins were once numerous throughout the Mekong River in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Today, however, their range is restricted to a 120km segment of the Mekong River in Cambodia between Stung Treng and Kratie, where they are protected as a living national treasure. The decline in the number of dolphins is largely due to accidental bycatch in fishing gear and habitat degradation. Your support can turn the tide for endangered species like the Irrawaddy dolphin.
Donate NowThis March, WWF-Cambodia invites you to participate in the Mekong Dolphin Swim, a multi-day event from 17-20 March 2025, to raise awareness and mobilize action for the conservation of the Mekong River and its endangered wildlife.
Then, on 22 March 2025, join us for Earth Hour in Cambodia as part of Earth Hour Global’s "Biggest Hour for Earth”. We are calling on our supporters across the globe to switch off the lights and spend 60 minutes doing something – anything – positive for our planet. This year, we’re combining these two powerful initiatives under the theme "One Hour for Earth, One Voice for Nature", uniting communities, businesses and policymakers in the fight for a healthier Mekong and a sustainable future for all.
Our Objectives
- Raise Awareness & Inspire Action: Through the Mekong Dolphin Swim, we are working together to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Mekong River and fostering sustainable practices. By involving communities in engaging activities, we aim to inspire both personal and collective efforts to protect Cambodia’s waterways for future generations.
- Engage Communities & Stakeholders: We’re calling on local communities, youth groups, businesses and policymakers to come together and create a lasting impact. Everyone can contribute to a greener, more sustainable Mekong, whether through clean-ups, tree planting or public pledges.
- Celebrate Success & Promote Sustainability: The culmination of the Mekong Dolphin Swim will coincide with Earth Hour, where we’ll turn off the lights to symbolically shine a light on the urgency of climate action. This will be a time to reflect on our collective progress and continue pushing for long-term, sustainable conservation efforts in our rivers.
- Join us in Kratie: Join our river clean-up (20 March), fun run (22 March) and other community activities during the Mekong Dolphin Swim and Earth Hour.
- Spread the Word: Share this event with your friends to rally more support.
- Donate: Every contribution makes a real impact on dolphin conservation.
- Follow the Journey: Stay updated on our social media channels as the swimmers brave the Mekong for a better future.
Funds raised through this initiative will directly support:
- WWF-Cambodia’s River Guard Programme to protect dolphins from illegal fishing practices
- Research on bycatch mitigation to reduce accidental entanglement
- Stronger conservation efforts through collaboration between marine and freshwater dolphin specialists
What is the Mekong Dolphin Swim?
This is a first of its-kind event in Cambodia, organized by a team of dedicated conservation scientists to raise awareness and funds for protecting the incredible, critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Mekong River. Please read more about the event on this page and at the Dolphin Swim’s website.
Why should I donate to protect the river dolphin?
Only six species of dolphins are found in freshwater globally, and all are declining. Freshwater ecosystems are under immense pressure due to conflicting needs, meaning all river dolphin species are classified as ‘endangered’ or ‘critically endangered’. Their populations have declined to such an extent that urgent actions are needed. We need greater public support for raising funds to tackle high-priority threats to these species, such as illegal fishing, that causes mortality of these dolphins.
River dolphins are an apex predator of freshwater and coastal marine systems. They play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, where their presence is an excellent indicator of habitat quality. In Cambodia, river dolphins also have immense cultural value, but they are threatened due to unsustainable fishing practices.
Learn more about this species
How many Irrawaddy dolphins are there in Cambodia?
The most recent population census estimates fewer than 100 individuals remain in Cambodia’s Mekong River freshwater ecosystem. This is a very small population, and each individual is precious. However, we sincerely believe that with the right conservation efforts, we can protect this population and see an increase in their numbers. The Irrawaddy dolphin’s range and natural habitat previously crossed the border into Laos. In 2021, we tragically lost the last dolphin in Laos, making the Cambodian population the last stronghold on the Mekong River. In the freshwater ecosystems, the Irrawaddy dolphins still remain in the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, and the Mahakam River in Indonesia, with Cambodia also boasting a marine population along its coast.
How will the funds be used?
With a shrinking habitat and low numbers, immediate action is vital to keep this species from disappearing. Accidental entanglement in fishing gear, also called “bycatch,” remains their greatest threat, pushing the species to the brink of extinction. Funds raised through this initiative will directly support:
- WWF-Cambodia’s River Guard Programme to protect dolphins from illegal fishing practices
- Research on bycatch mitigation to reduce accidental entanglement
- Facilitating collaborative action between marine and freshwater conservationists
Can I also swim to support the river dolphin?
At this moment we do not accept any request to join the official swimming team due to potential safety risks, the swim's physically demanding nature and logistical challenges. For those interested in enjoying the riverine experience, you can join other planned activities like the Mekong River clean-up (20 March) or fun run (22 March). To learn more about these, please visit our Facebook page.
