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Mekong Headwaters (Yunnan-PRC, Laos)

Mekong Headwaters

Country: PR China (Yunnan), Myanmar, Lao PDR

Provinces/Districts: DiQing, NuJiang, DaLi, Bao Shan, Lin Cang, Si Mao, Xi Shuang Ban Na (PR China); Luangnamtha, Bokeo, (Lao PDR); Shan State (Myanmar).

This large biodiversity conservation landscape represents the Yunnan Plateau Subtropical Evergreen Forests and the Northern Indochina Subtropical Forests ecoregions. Biodiversity conservation - including ecological processes and services - is important in this landscape because it captures the headwaters of the Mekong River. Widespread forest conversion has left only a few isolated patches of forests. Therefore, conservation efforts should focus on restoration of the forests to maintain and restore watershed integrity of the Mekong headwater region.

There are 12 protected areas in this landscape. However, with the exception of Xishuangbanna and Xishuangbanna Nabanhe, which are close together, the others are isolated from each other. Because the forests are highly fragmented, connectivity can only be achieved through large-scale reforestation and habitat restoration.

Despite the highly fragmented habitat, the region harbors several endangered species that are of high conservation significance, including the critically endangered Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, tigers, elephants, the red panda and black gibbons. The important birds include several species of pheasants. Because these species require intact, mature forests and are intolerant of human disturbance, conservation efforts can be focused on these species.

Conservation Issues and Threats to Biodiversity
Much of the natural habitat in this region had been converted to farmland and agriculture centuries ago. Thus, the forests have become highly fragmented. Hunting has eradicated most of the fauna, especially the large mammals and birds.

Conservation in this landscape is a salvage operation. Any pockets of forests remaining should be conserved and extensive restoration efforts will be required to attempt to link existing protected areas. But restoration efforts are essential, not merely for conserving the species, but also to restore the watershed and maintain critical hydrological processes and services in this Mekong headwater region.

Impact of the GMSEC
The North-South GMSEC intersects the southern part of this landscape. The R3 transnational road cuts through the southern part of the landscape, while the R4 road bisects the northern section.

Nineteen dams have been proposed within the landscape increasing the likelihood of impacts on the watershed and flows.