Termite mounds in the lower Mekong basin. In Laos, Cambodia and NE Thailand, paddy fields appear as mosaics owing to the presence of mounds built by numerous organisms, and especially termites. What are the ecological (e.g., impact on animal and plant biodiversity), environmental (e.g., impact on soil and water dynamic, pesticide utilization) as well as socio-economical processes (e.g., impact on food security, human health, and farmer incomes) impacted by these patches of biodiversity and fertility ? How can we preserve these patches of biodiversity and fertility in a changing world?

Behind the tree, an incredible biological activity, a diversity of ecosystem services and perhaps the agricultural of tomorrow!

Contact: Pascal JOUQUET, pascal.jouquet@ird.fr & Ratha MUON, ratha.muon@itc.edu.kh

Project funded by ANR (2023-2027)