Himkong Nong Khai People Join forces to form “Valerie Hak Phaeng” 

On December 8, 2021, at 09.00 a.m., the Mekong Community Organizations Network Association of 7 Northeastern Provinces attended a meeting with the group “Valerie Hakpang”, The river of ” Wiang Cook Subdistrict, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai Province, at Sala Prachakom, Moo 1, with Mayor Kamnan, Village Elder, Mekong Fisherman, Nong Khai Provincial Fisheries Office Official, and Nong Khai Provincial Agriculture and Cooperatives Office Attended a total of 22 people.

Mr. Thaweewut Riyabut Kamnan, Wiang Cook, Group President said “Valerie Hak Phaeng Rivers” revealed that the meeting was exclusively addressed by local and local community leaders. Mr. Teedpong Steady Mayor, Wiang Cook Village elders attended the meeting, with the meeting jointly designating a Mekong Fish Sanctuary which was located at behind Rosario School is 50 meters wide and 350 meters long.

However, this is such activities, the community agreed to be designated as a reserve and expansion of endemic fish species in the river of (Mekong River), which is reduced by water fluctuations. Expect it to be a place to learn about the fish species of the community, as well as as a conservation attraction.

Mr. Teedpong Steady The mayor of Wiang Cook, the group’s advisor, commented on the operation, saying it was admirable that the community had formed a group and did good activities together. Wiang Cook Municipality plans to conduct fish conservation activities in many public water bodies besides the Mekong River, such as Nong Thong, which has an area of 145 rai, and every operation requires the cooperation of the villagers to issue regulations. Use the agreed community constitution as a guideline for managing community resources that are no less important than existing legal chapters. Especially the Mekong River, which is an international river. That requires the cooperation of communities and two Mekong states. Mr. Krasan Panmeesri, Chairman of Wiang Cook Community Water Management Committee The chairman of the Wiang Cook Community Organization Council and a qualified member of the Nong Khai Provincial Fisheries Committee said the community’s struggles with the NCPO were “unaccompanied.” Work to protect the Mekong River and conserve aquatic resources for remaining for generations of children for more than 10 years.

The operation has significant obstacles. The Mekong River area of Wiang Cook, a formerly important ancient city, has been named twin cities with Vientiane. There used to be a variety of Mekong fish species, large fish such as big fish, lime fish. Currently, all local fish are extinct, which is the impact of development projects, especially the construction of dams on the main Mekong River. In the last two years, Dam construction results in fluctuating water levels, sediment quarantine.

Unusually clear waters, there are divers from different countries with highly efficient fishing tools. Performing large fishing dives in the Mekong River, which directly affects the decline of fish breeders in the Mekong River, adding to the problem even more. Ms. Omboon Thipsuna, Secretary-General, Mekong Community Organizations Network Association, 7 Provinces, Northeastern Region (NCPO) The company disclosed that Wiang Cook is another pilot area that the D.C. Police expects together with agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. To develop the potential of community organizations, especially local youth groups, with 2 village youth representatives.

Joining the public relations committee of the NCPO group, there are plans to train youth to produce publicity materials for good activities as a campaign to raise awareness of local love. Today, the NCPO has provided media equipment to youth groups.

Attendees exchanged situations, problems, past performance. Solutions to areas, recommendations to policy levels such as amendments to the law, Section 62,63 of the Fisheries Decree 2015, as well as support for group activities under the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Plan 2023-2027. Officials of both government agencies commented on the preparation of a plan for the Community of Wiang Cook, which is an operation to build the participation of the foundation community, which is a good starting point for further joint operations.

Source: Nongkhai Online News, Pattarawin Leepan