Cambodia is hoping an increase in tourist visits along the Mekong River could help save the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, it has been revealed.
A US-funded plan to save the endangered species of dolphin will promote tourism, while reducing the local villagers' dependency on fishing in the area.
According to Isabel Beasley of Australia's James Cook University, April 2005 estimates recorded around 127 to 161 dolphins in the whole of the Mekong River.
However, the World Wildlife Fund estimates this number has fallen to as low as 80, reports the International Herald Tribune.
Net fishing in the river was banned by the Cambodian government last year.
Cambodian tourism minister Thong Khon stated the extent of the problem for Cambodia in simple terms: "No dolphins means no tourism. No tourism means no development."
Ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular in the Central and South Asian region, with the countries of Thailand and Nepal already very popular for this type of travel attraction.
Planning a
backpacking holiday? Search and book online with HostelBookers
