Wonder of the aquatic world under threat from plans for Mekong dams

Scientists warn that plans to build dams across Tonli(C) Sap, south-east Asia's greatest lake, could be an ecological timebomb threatening the food security of millions

In a few months' time, monsoon rains will more than quadruple the size of Cambodia's Tonli(C) Sap, south-east Asia's greatest lake and one of the wonders of the aquatic world. The huge flood will reverse the seaward flow of the river that feeds into the lake, submerge forests, make a perfect wetland for spawning fish and will replenish soils for a rich rice harvest.

Tonli(C) Sap is the most intensely-fished inland body of water in the world and as the annual flood subsides, many millions of fish will flow from it and back into the massive Mekong river where they will become the staple food of thousands of villages.