A two-day workshop is underway in Kratie province, home to the Kingdom’s largest population of Irrawaddy dolphins.

The protection of these precious natural treasures has brought government officials, local and international conservation experts, and conservation partners together for the March 24-25 conference on the management and conservation of the Kingdom’s dolphin population.

“The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin population remains critically endangered, with fewer than 100 adult individuals estimated to survive today. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, key threats such as gillnet entanglement and habitat degradation continue to put their future at risk,” warned a March 24 joint press release.

Through collaboration between government agencies and conservation organizations such as WWF-Cambodia, efforts have been made to highlight these concerns.

The recent 120-kilometer Mekong Dolphin Swim campaign, held from March 17 to 20, from Stung Treng to Kratie, was part of this broader initiative, it explained..  

A team of conservations, including five swimmers and two kayakers, spent the four-day journey removing deadly gillnets, recording dolphin sightings and visiting riverside communities to inspire action for river dolphins.

The initiative raised over $20,000 from donors across the planet to support WWF-Cambodia’s River Guard Programme and research into how to mitigate dolphin deaths.

Sreng Sopheap, deputy governor of Kratie province, considered last week’s “Dolphin Swim” a remarkable contribution to dolphin conservation.

The workshop discussions provided vital recommendations to further strengthen conservation strategies for this species, which is considered Cambodia’s national living treasure and a symbol of the Mekong River.

For over two decades, WWF-Cambodia has collaborated with the Fisheries Administration (FiA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as the provincial authorities of Kratie and Stung Treng and local communities, to protect the dolphins.

Conservation efforts have focused on habitat protection, law enforcement, capacity building for river guards and promoting sustainable fishing practices among local communities.

Chap Vibol, country director of WWF-Cambodia, emphasised the importance of science-driven conservation.

“Our research and monitoring efforts, including dolphin population assessments and behavioural studies, provide essential data to guide conservation policies. With international collaboration, we can implement stronger, science-based solutions to protect Mekong dolphins for future generations,” he said.

The workshop has brought together experts from leading institutions such as the Marine Mammal Commission, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and Hydrobiology Institute of the Chinese Academy of Science, among others.

Discussions focus on strengthening collaboration among Cambodian institutions, international experts and fellow Irrawaddy dolphin range countries and advancing scientific population assessments to improve understanding of dolphin numbers and health.

They are also discussing developing actionable recommendations for effective conservation strategies and securing sustainable funding to ensure long-term protection efforts.

During the workshop, Lenovo Group is also showcasing its AI-driven efforts in Yangtze finless porpoise conservation, as part of a partnership with the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation.

Guided by experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the collaboration explores AI applications for global small cetacean research. Technology developed for porpoise conservation is now being adapted to protect Cambodia’s Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins.

Frances Gulland, chair of the US Marine Mammal Commission, noted that the attendees must work together to support and collaborate with local communities in their efforts to protect nature and conserve wildlife.

“While we are aware of some challenges, others remain uncertain. Dolphin mortality is a concern that demands our continued attention,” she said.

“Moving forward, our focus will remain on technical assistance, effective partnerships and long-term solutions to safeguard these iconic species,” she added.

The outcomes of this workshop will help shape Cambodia’s long-term Irrawaddy dolphin conservation strategy.

“Through continued government leadership, scientific expertise and community engagement, there is hope for a future where Mekong dolphins can thrive,” added the release.

A newborn dolphin, estimated to be just two days old, was observed and photographed by a research team from the FiA and WWF-Cambodia on March 11 at Anlong Kampi in Kratie province. This marks the fifth dolphin calf recorded in early 2025, bringing the total Mekong dolphin population to 109 individuals.