"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act;
but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act."
Buddha

The origin of the Changing Mekong Program was a simple invitation extended by researchers of the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) in Lao P.D.R. to assist them in conducting research in their country. (See website for more details.) They requested assistance in developing specific projects and enhancing national and regional infrastructure for the study of biocultural diversity. The offer has been accepted and the Changing Mekong Program is the medium through which the projects are being developed. The following thoughts, as well as details on the Mekong regional watershed on the second to last page of this document, provide a justification for why their offer was accepted.

Researchers are often presented with a wide range of possible ways in which their efforts may be focused. Occasionally an opportunity is presented that is unique and involves a chance to do more than good research. It offers the possibility of making a fundamental difference in the world. The Changing Mekong Program is founded on such an opportunity.

As climate change sweeps the Earth, there are many places where scientists need to apply basic documentation efforts followed by experimental research in order to understand the processes of change. Without this understanding, it simply isn’t possible to make realistic suggestions about how to deal with the change. There are in fact too many places to work and not enough researchers and finances to complete the task. So, how do we decide where to invest our research time and financial resources? Do we go where the most people or biodiversity will be impacted? Do we try to select the most “unique” locations? Do we go where the greatest climate changes are predicted to take place? It is a difficult decision.

Scientists often overlook or are unaware of some critical keys to successful long-term projects. For example, the following list was produced from discussions with Pacific Island community leaders about their experiences with externally funded projects and their perspectives on keys to success (and failure). (See web site for details of this report.) Research that impacts local communities should involve plans which are likely to succeed. Furthermore, research should be conducted in locations where plans to succeed can realistically be implemented.

The organizers of the Changing Mekong Program are researchers who feel that a great opportunity for combined research and community development is at hand and are eager to develop collaborations with others with a similar vision. As many tributaries converge to form a river, so will the combined efforts of the participants in the Changing Mekong Program.