PHOTO ESSAYS: THE MEKONG RIVER: THAILAND AND LAOS

Uniting over 320 million people across the Greater Mekong Region, it is easy to see why this majestic river has been called, "The Lifeblood of Asia", '"The Soul of Southeast Asia", 'River of Giants" and "Mother Mekong". Traveling through 6 countries and holding claim to the longest river in South East Asia, the Mekong supports an incredible array of life, including subsistence village livelihoods, fisheries, agriculture, the potential to supply energy to millions and the rich and complex terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem habitats that sustain a remarkable level of endemic species diversity. As millions rely on the river daily to sustain life, it's safe to say that a healthy Mekong equates to the success of many lives in the Greater Mekong Region. 

Attempting to sustainably develop the Mekong River has created one of the most difficult cross-boundary river resource management problems in the world today. The following images provide a snapshot of the Mekong River within Laos and Thailand, documenting life along the river and the potential impact of hydropower projects in Laos.