An ecological and social disaster is taking place on, under and around the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Disappearing fisheries are leading to a dangerous departure from the traditional Cambodian diet of fish and rice.
Upwards of 80% of Cambodians have traditionally depended on freshwater fisheries for their diets and livelihoods. As a result of Cambodia’s declining fisheries, major health and economic consequences are beginning to penetrate Cambodian society, including a rapid rise in type 2 diabetes incidence.