“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.”
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
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.
Kachin community worry about environmental damage due to gold digging
Local people in Kachin State are unsure as to whether controls will be brought in for gold mining and protection of the environment. There is concern that mining work, particularly with heavy machinery, will continue to badly damage the environment including destroying river bank soil, particularly during seasonal flooding.
Laos sets priority list of crops for export to China as agricultural products sale could reach billions
China is a key trade partner of agricultural products from Laos, accounting for more than 80 per cent of total exports, with major crops being cassava, bananas, watermelon, sugarcane, and rubber.
The elephant in the room: a Thai village’s unwelcome guests – photo essay
Researchers warn that the competition for resources will intensify. “In Thailand the forest areas are still decreasing, and we have many, many projects that try to make developments inside the forest,” says Bhichet, adding that in 1933, 43% of Thailand was forested; by 2019 this had fallen to just under 32% of the country.
Results of flood-based livelihood project in Mekong Delta reviewed
It aims to implement farmer demonstrations of low-risk, flood-based livelihoods across about 470 hectares of rice-growing land and retain some 8.5 million cu.m of flood water.