‘Foundation History
In the knowledge that environmental scientists from around the world are warning of the potential for a social and environmental catastrophe as a result of the cascade, Mick decided to take action in order increase regional and international awareness and concern for the mainstream dam issues affecting the valley. In 2004 Mick completed the historic first full exploration and navigation of the Mekong rivers mainstream from it’s source in Tibet to the South China Sea. The journey had the affect of increasing his concern for the fate of the Mekong’s most vulnerable peoples and environments. |
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Despite this initial awareness building success, Mick felt that more needed to be done at the grass roots level to assist those people who’s survival resources are being compromized by the dams. In 2006 he began developing the framework for the Mekong Descent Foundation. Mick officially dedicated half of his Authors benefits from his internationally acclaimed book ‘In the Naga’s Wake’ to the foundations efforts and half of the after cost benefits from his film ‘Exploring the Mother of Waters’ to the cause. These initial donations along with the generosity and good will of various groups and individuals have ensured that the important work of the foundation could be commenced. Today, the Mekong Descent Foundation is one of the most vocal and focussed groups striving to rally support for the grass roots peoples and environments of the Mekong valley. Further support is needed in order for the put several important initiatives into action.
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The Mekong Descent Foundation was established by Australian Author, Film maker and Eco-tourism Consultant Mick O’Shea. Mick spent over 6 years living and working amongst the Mekong subsistence peoples in the nations of Laos, Thailand and Cambodia in the field of sustainable eco-tourism. During this time he developed a great respect for the Mekong subsitence peoples and the survival balance they must maintain with their natural environments in order to survive.
Mick decided to use this expedition and his related film and book to expose some of the Mekong Cascade related issues to the world. Since that time, millions of people around the world have been exposed to the Mekong Cascade issues as a result of Mick's efforts. Over 50 print media publications, 12 television news focuses, 200 radio broadcasts, cinema screenings in over 200 cities and dozens of web page focuses have discussed Mekong cascade issues as a result of these efforts.
