We are planning an expedition down the river Mekong from Chiang Khong Thailand, Luang Prabang Laos, to Saigon Vietnam, planned for 2008/09, To highlight and not forget the important work of those involved in clearing land mines and other unexploded devices in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and to film and document some of the work, of the organisations, both local, governmental and NGO's, involved in mineclearing, victim rehabilitation, and educational projects in and around the countries visited.

We would like to raise funds for direct financial assistance in helping the local rural population, to help themself, with the materials needed for rebuilding and maintaining their schools and rehabilitation projects. Aid is not just giving money to large charities, but to be on the ground and supply things most needed such as materials for buildings, bricks and mortar, water pipes, text books and pencils, and all the basic needs which we so readily take for granted.

The Local population is a able and willing force who are more than capable to look after themself if the means to do so is made available. There is no need for us to teach them how to build or feed them self, their cultures have thousands of years of experience in building and feeding their own nations, it seems it was only the western worlds advances in military hardware that destroyed their abilities to continue. And funny how the same nations that so readily supplied the million of tons of explosive hardware, are so reluctant to come back and clear it. But we shall not play the blame game, our Expedition objectives are clear. Exploring the great Mekong river, the local cultures, past and present , interact with the local communities, and enjoy the hospitality of the people we encounter, and where we can, be the general dogsbodies and give a helping hand, be it finacial, labour or otherwise. And at the same time learn about their cultures, and take something back with home that will stay with us forever.

We will do the 3 month journey in a non motorized houseboat barge, Visiting communities and villages along the river and filming various mine clearing, and educational projects, and giving a hand where we can, with visits to local schools, and commuities, both on and off the Great Mekong river. to lend a hand and give assistance if needed.

The whole expedition will be filmed, documented and photographed, with live feeds, photos, video diaries on expedition website, which we will cut down to a 2 hr documentary about the Expedition to be showed on TV and in media. Back home we would like to do school visits and talks about the journey, and help to build a better understanding of cultures, ecology and the importance of Mekong to thos who earn a living from it. Our boat builder from Bali would like to co participate by doing the journey snorkeling, and his experience in snorkelling expedition around Bali with his 6 year old son, woulkd also like to give local children and opportunity to participate, as handicaps such as missing arms and legs are not a hindrance once in the water. This part of the expedition to also highlight the ecological aspect of the Mekong journey.
 

We are looking to raise £250,000 pounds sterling, from the Expedition through sale of expedition merchandise, such as Limited Edition Expedition T-Shirts, Wristbands and Coffee mugs, and Donations, our "Special Armchair Expedition Memberships" and our Event Gala Dinners, Followed at the end of the Expedition with the auction of the hand build houseboat/barge, (see the auction link ) This money will be equally shared among the organizations operating on the ground in SE Asia, with 100% of profits donated locally.

All expedition merchandice will be blessed by "Buddhist Monks" to give its owners a unique momento of the support for the journey.