Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to listen to and understand a news report about the environmental challenges facing the Mekong River.
- Students will be able to identify key vocabulary related to environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable development.
- Students will be able to answer comprehension questions about the report.
- Students will be able to discuss the importance of the Mekong River and the need for conservation efforts.
Materials:
- Audio recording of the news report “Protecting the Mekong River” (see script below).
- Optional: Images or videos of the Mekong River, its biodiversity, and conservation efforts.
- Worksheet or whiteboard for comprehension questions and vocabulary review.
Audio:
Script:
Good morning and welcome to Cambodia Morning News.
Today, we are highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the Mekong River, the lifeblood of Southeast Asia. The Mekong, one of the world’s longest rivers, faces multiple environmental threats, including pollution, overfishing, and the construction of dams.
Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities has contaminated the river’s water, threatening the health of both people and wildlife. Overfishing has depleted fish stocks, impacting the livelihoods of millions who depend on the river for their food and income.
The construction of dams along the Mekong River has altered its natural flow, disrupting the migration patterns of fish and impacting the river’s ecosystem. These dams also pose risks of flooding and displacement for communities living along the riverbanks.
Environmental organizations and governments in the region are working together to address these challenges. They are promoting sustainable fishing practices, raising awareness about pollution, and advocating for responsible dam development.
The Mekong River is a vital resource for Cambodia and the entire region. It provides food, water, transportation, and livelihoods for millions of people. Protecting the Mekong is crucial for the well-being of both present and future generations.
Vocabulary:
- lifeblood (noun): the indispensable factor or influence that gives something its strength and vitality.
- threat (noun): a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger.
- contaminate (verb): make (something) impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.
- deplete (verb): use up the supply or resources of.
- disrupt (verb): interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem.
- ecosystem (noun): a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
- sustainable (adjective): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without causing harm to the environment.
Tasks:
- True or False:
- The Mekong River is the shortest river in the world. (True/False)
- Pollution is one of the threats facing the Mekong River. (True/False)
- Overfishing has no impact on people’s livelihoods. (True/False)
- The construction of dams is beneficial for the river’s ecosystem. (True/False)
- Answer the Questions:
- What are three threats facing the Mekong River?
- How does pollution affect the river?
- What is the impact of overfishing?
- How do dams disrupt the river’s ecosystem?
- What are some solutions being proposed to protect the Mekong River?
- Vocabulary Matching: Match the vocabulary words with their definitions. (Provide a list of definitions for students to match to the words.)
- Discussion:
- Why is the Mekong River important for Cambodia?
- What are some other environmental issues affecting rivers in your country or region?
- What can we do as individuals to help protect our rivers and waterways?
Answer Key:
- True or False:
- False
- True
- False
- False
- Answer the Questions:
- Pollution, overfishing, and construction of dams.
- It contaminates the water and threatens the health of people and wildlife.
- It depletes fish stocks and impacts livelihoods.
- They alter the river’s natural flow, disrupt fish migration, and pose risks of flooding and displacement.
- Promoting sustainable fishing, raising awareness about pollution, advocating for responsible dam development.
- Vocabulary Matching: (Answers are provided above)
- Discussion: (Open-ended questions to encourage student participation)
Outro:
The Mekong River is a precious resource that needs our protection. By understanding the challenges it faces and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure that this majestic river continues to thrive and provide for generations to come.
