According to a statement by the UN, “the three countries will graduate from the LDC category after an exceptionally extended preparatory period of five years, with the standard period being three years, which will enable them to prepare for graduation while planning for a post-Covid-19 recovery and implementing policies and strategies to reverse the economic and social damage incurred by the Covid-19 shock.”
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Ministry hands out eco-awards
The award programme is designed to promote the participation of businesses and people from the public and private sectors in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable living.
On northern border, opium epidemic leaves children to fend for themselves
A cycle of deforestation and uncontrolled establishment of new villages has also been going on for years. In 2020 district authorities discovered an average of four deforestation cases per month and arrested the accused.
Another poor wet season endangers Cambodia’s biggest lake and its people
“We had the same situation last year. In the past the land would always flood. It’s very healthy for the soil if the water covers the land,” says Yin Sela, a farmer who lives on the edge of the lake
Related health risk assessment of exposure to arsenic and some heavy metals in gold mines
The suggestion is to educate miners about the health risks of heavy metals and to encourage the use of proper PPE all the time while working in gold mine.
Thailand’s ambitious steps to go carbon neutral
In general, this Thai commitment reflects a recognition of the way the economic winds are blowing — away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, more affordable sources of energy that cost less and have multiple benefits (eg, energy security, reduced prices, and creation of new jobs).
Vietnam, Japan hold environmental policy dialogue
Vietnamese Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha and Japanese Minister of the Environment Tsuyoshi Michael Yamaguchi have discussed measures to further foster cooperation between the two countries in the area of environment and climate change response, focusing on the implementation of commitments made by the Prime Ministers of the two nations at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (
Cambodian rights group among winners of international award
Mother Nature Cambodia, a leading environmental movement in Cambodia, has been known for its relentless advocacy and campaigns locally and internationally for the preservation, promotion and protection of Cambodia’s natural environment.
Enhancing children’s rights to a safe climate, clean air and a healthy environment free from all types of pollution
“This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind, anywhere in the world, to provide guidance on advancing and protecting children’s rights to a healthy environment,” said Cynthia Veliko, the UN Human Rights South-East Asia Regional Representative in Bangkok. “Ensuring these fundamental rights is not just a commitment to a healthier future for the world’s children, but to a more sustainable future for our planet and future generations. We hope the Principles and Policy Guidance will be used as a basis for an expanded ASEAN commitment to children’s rights to a healthy environment in the region,” Veliko said.
Vietnam needs urgent international help to fight wildlife crime and reduce its impact on Africa
ietnam has been implicated in the trafficking of the parts and products of at least 18,000 elephants, 111,000 pangolins and as many as 976 rhinos. These alarming figures represent only a fraction of the actual levels of wildlife trafficking involving Vietnam because much of it takes place undetected.