Cambodia Hosts Regional eDNA Workshop to Enhance Mekong Biodiversity Conservation

Cambodia hosted a regional workshop on 'Environmental DNA' (eDNA) aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in the Mekong River basin. On August 4, 2026, Ms. Im Rochna, Undersecretary of State in charge of Fisheries Resources Conservation at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, presided over the opening of the workshop. She emphasized that increasing knowledge of 'eDNA' helps enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in the Mekong River, contributing to the protection of rare fish species and the conservation of the endangered Mekong river dolphin, which inhabits the deep waters of Kratie and Stung Treng provinces in Cambodia. eDNA refers to biological samples found in water. By analyzing water samples in a laboratory, scientists can determine which types of fish or rare animals inhabit a particular area. According to the Undersecretary of State, the implementation of the eDNA method will provide a clear and rapid data foundation for riparian countries along the Mekong River to accurately identify fisheries conservation zones. The regional workshop was organized by the Department of Fisheries Conservation under the General Department of Fisheries, with financial support from projects within the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation framework. Participants included officials from the fisheries departments of Kratie and Stung Treng provinces, senior researchers from China, Laos, and Myanmar, as well as representatives from WWF, the Royal University of Agriculture, and the National Institute of Agriculture Prek Leap. Source: AKP Khmer