Monday February 2, 2026
IUCN —
Wetlands are at the heart of river systems. When rivers flood, wetlands hold the surge. When rivers run dry, wetlands keep them flowing.
Millions of people across Southeast Asia’s low-lying deltas and coastal plains depend on these river networks for agriculture, fishing and tourism. Floodplain wetlands like the Mekong Delta support over 60 million people, with fisheries providing up to 80% of their animal protein and contributing significantly to agricultural productivity and flood reduction. Despite their importance to biodiversity and human wellbeing, wetlands across the region are facing threats from habitat loss, development, pollution and climate change.