Mekong River Commission 189d ago

The Mekong Riverweed ("Kai") is a unique freshwater green alga that flourishes in the Mekong River Basin of Laos during the dry season from November to March. Cherished for generations, it is a vital, traditional food source for rural communities due to its rich nutritional profile, being packed with proteins, carbohydrates, essential vitamins, and minerals. . Mekong Riverweed is a cultural staple entering a new chapter of research-driven innovation. As the first MRC public–private partnership fully funded by the private sector, the initiative modernizes Kai cultivation while centering communities—strengthening local livelihoods and climate resilience across the basin. . By combining practical smart tech, rigorous food-safety and quality controls, and creative shelf-stable packaging with new product forms that honor authentic taste and purity, Mekong Riverweed can reach wider markets without losing its soul. The result is living heritage scaled responsibly: more value for producers, trusted quality for consumers, and a more resilient Mekong river economy.