Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7 July 2017 – The Mekong River Commission (MRC) today launches a regional photo contest entitled “Mekong Diversity through Your Eyes” for amateur photographers of all ages who are citizens and residents of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. 

The competition seeks entries depicting creative photographic expressions representing the diversity of the Mekong River, from its beautiful nature to various use of water to pressing challenges, to showcase the need for cross-border cooperation for sustainable development of the basin.

“The contest gives amateur photographers from the MRC’s member countries the opportunity to demonstrate the Mekong’s abundant natural resources, economic and social challenges posed by competing demands for the water use, and ideas how best to address those impacts,” said Pham Tuan Phan, Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat.

In collaboration with the National Mekong Committees of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam, the contest is organized as part of the MRC’s Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project (M-IWRMP) that facilitates transboundary cooperation among the lower Mekong countries at both national and basin levels, with the application of the MRC’s procedural rules and tools on water use negotiation, data sharing and river flow monitoring.

To take part in this competition, photographers will submit a maximum of 5 original photos in digital format, along with a completed application form to mrcphotocontest@mrcmekong.org by 24 September 2017 (World River Day).  Each photograph must include a caption, in no more than 100 words in English or respective native languages, describing what the picture portrays.

Winners of top 12 images will receive awards from $100 to $500 in cash plus medals or certificates at the award ceremony to be hosted by the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane, Lao PDR later this year. Winning photographs may be displayed and featured in the 2018 MRC’s IWRMP calendar and other visual products.

Full contest details can be found at www.mrcmekong.org/news-and-events/events/mrcphotocontest2017

Read news in Khmer | Lao | Thai | Vietnamese

 

-END-