MLI involves academic institutions from around the Mekong Basin. It was established in the belief that innovative education is a key to the critical thinking required to understand changes in development and environment in the region. MLI emphasizes linking and learning: the linking of different perspectives and mutual learning amongst those living, studying, teaching and working in different countries of the Mekong region. The objectives are:

• Developing a Mekong body of knowledge and practice on natural resource management from within
• Creating a sharing and an understanding of other countries in the Mekong among students and lecturers
• Supporting creative and effective approaches to teaching that give students critical thinking skills in understanding development, natural resource management and environment issues in the Mekong
• Establishing a sense of Mekong citizenship among lecturers and students