The Journey to the Irrawaddy Dolphins
Today - early in the morning - we went out on the Mekong. And we were able to admire a unique spectacle: The Irrawaddy dolphins, of which there are about 80 in the entire Mekong region.
"Only three of these special dolphins still live in the whole of Laos - at least they are the only ones biologists know of. ... Although the Mekong is one of the most species-rich rivers on earth, the dolphins can barely survive there. Researchers see them as indicators of how bad the river really is. And that in the future numerous other dolphin species, fish and crustaceans will disappear forever.... But Cambodia's efforts to protect the dolphins only reach as far as the Laotian border. And there, a new threat is just emerging: In the middle of the mainstream of the Mekong - exactly where Laos' last three Irrawadis live - the government is planning to build the Don Sahong Dam near the Mekong waterfalls. It would be an insurmountable obstacle for all river dwellers. Where once, according to legend, man became an irawadi, none of these animals will survive." (Quote from Zeit.de)
We are very grateful to have seen 3 of these wonderful animals. We squatted on a small island, looked out at the water and every now and then the three dolphins showed themselves. Besides this experience, the silence, the solitude, the connection with nature was unique.
Best wishes from South-East Asia,
Heike & Gerd
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