UNESCO maps the health of the Mekong River and its communities in Luang Prabang

Heritage authorities from Luang Prabang are collaborating with UNESCO and the Mekong Culture WELL project of Michigan State University to enhance the mapping of the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, with the principal aim of supporting the monitoring and management of the World Heritage site and its communities. The activities are also supported by the French Government’s Ministry of Culture via the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

The Mekong River and one of its tributaries, the Nam Khan River, both run through the heart of the World Heritage property. The current collaboration aims to provide support for the monitoring and management of the site by collecting data on environmental and social factors, including climate change, which are impacting the site's historic integrity. With only limited data currently being collected on these important factors, the collaboration seeks to ensure the site’s long-term protection and preservation. 

Local residents and scientists alike have noted recent changes to the rivers. Following the completion in 2019 of the Xayaburi Dam—it is roughly 120 kilometers downstream of Luang Prabang—the water level of the Mekong has risen year-round, instead of exhibiting its usual seasonal fluctuations, which has affected community access to the river for traditional heritage rituals such as the building of sand pagodas for Lao New Year celebrations every April. Improving the monitoring regime for the river and the riverine environment of Luang Prabang will help authorities to better understand not only the current situation, but also the potential future impacts to the site from natural factors such as climate change, as well as human-related factors such as the Luang Prabang Hydropower Project, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

This initiative is part of Lao PDR’s response to recommendations from the 2022 Reactive Monitoring Mission conducted by the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS, which was aimed at supporting Lao PDR in identifying priorities for strengthening the protection of the famous World Heritage town. The mission has recommended that the monitoring and management system for the Luang Prabang World Heritage site be expanded to include other aspects of heritage which are part of the site’s Outstanding Universal Value. In addition to its famed traditional and colonial architecture, Luang Prabang also has rich living heritage, as well as natural heritage, both intertwined with its built heritage.  

During October through November 2023, Luang Prabang heritage authorities worked with Dr Wisa Fink, a lead interdisciplinary researcher in the Mekong Culture WELL project team to conduct community consultations and cultural mapping workshops. Local officials and community members including fishers, farmers, boatmen, potters and youth shared their memories and observations about the rivers and their riverside ways of life.

Community members noted that the rivers have long been a source of sustenance for Luang Prabang’s people, as these waterways have sustained a rich variety of fish, as well as freshwater algae used to make the local seaweed-like delicacy kaipaen.  The fertile riverside banks were also commonly used for farming at one time. The workshop residents have observed that over the years, the size, diversity and flavor of river fish are noticeably changing. They have additionally noticed a decline in the population of migratory fish. Similarly, river kai, at one time abundant in local waters—particularly those of the Nam Khan—are no longer prevalent and must be sourced from other villages. The worship practices associated with the rivers are still on-going, such as worship rites for the powerful naga spirits who are said to live in various locations along the Mekong as it traverses Luang Prabang, even if a young generation is less engaged with tradition, and current spirit mediums are aging.