The Shanghai-based company, Wang Feng Shanghai Real Estate Co. is eying to establish the supposed statute near the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Vientiane, reported The Hong Kong Post. The idea of building a Buddha statute from Mahayana tradition, against the accepted Theravada tradition in Laos has evidently sparked rage among the people.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Laos, UN agree to boost sustainable development cooperation
The government and the United Nations on Tuesday signed the 2022-2026 Lao PDR-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), highlighting the importance of Laos-UN cooperation to achieve Laos’ development priorities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith represented the government to sign the UNSDCF with UN Resident Coordinator to Laos Ms Sara Sekkenes in Vientiane.
Farmers encouraged to replace tobacco crops in Laos
“Tobacco plant cultivation is extremely hazardous to the environment, particularly deforestation to clear land and locate firewood, and it is also a short-term and unsustainable agricultural method that has negative health consequences for farmers, particularly the use of chemical fertilizers,” said Dr. Sanong Thongsana, Deputy Minister of Health.
Maya Bay reopening set for Jan 1
“More than half of the corals suffered major damage before the bay was closed three years ago. At its peak, the bay was crowded by 4,000 visitors and 200 boats a day, far beyond the area’s ability to handle.”
Norway to partner with Vietnam to “awaken” offshore wind power potential
The 70-page report provides an overview of the entire supply chain for Vietnam’s offshore wind industry, recommendations on what Vietnam can prioritise to stimulate the strong growth of a local supply chain to create jobs for skilled labourers, and export to offshore wind markets in the region and the world.
Japan supports grassroots projects in health, education, agriculture
The government of Japan has provided grant assistance of US$240,000 for four development projects in rural areas of Laos.
Japan will fund two health projects in Xieng Khuang and Xayaboury provinces, an education project in Huaphan province and an agriculture project in Savannakhet province through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.
Climate change adaptation compromised, Mekong Delta faces manmade disaster
“The Mekong Delta is subject to various drivers of change, of which anthropogenic drivers, namely hydropower dams, sand mining and groundwater extractions, pose the greatest threats in this first half of the century,” Etienne Espagne, a senior economist with the French Development Agency (AFD) who led the new study released last week.
Cambodia determined to address climate change issues, ban on new coal fired power plant the start
Cambodia is committed to address climate change issues by securing over 400-MW solar power, equal to 15 percent of the country’s total energetic source, reducing illegal forest logging, and phasing out new hydro and coal power plants.
Mekong Delta’s biggest irrigation system near completion
The entire irrigation system, invested by funds raised through government bonds, is expected to irrigate 384,000 hectares of land, of which 350,000 hectares are for agriculture and aquaculture, in Kien Giang, Hau Giang, Ca Mau and Bac Lieu provinces.