This paper first provides a theoretical tour d’horizon of this legal problématique, identifying a series of problems and possible solutions based on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The practical consequences of this problématique will then be explored in the context of the Lancang–Mekong River, and the interaction between the various legal frameworks at play.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Road transport to see surge post-pandemic ASEAN
For instance, the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement (CBTA) allows each of the six-member countries – Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam – to issue up to 500 GMS Road Transport Permits and Temporary Admission Documents (TADs) for goods and passenger vehicles registered, owned and/or operated in that country.
What next for U.S. engagement on Cambodia’s protected forests?
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh asserted at the time of the defunding decision that “effective environmental management requires transparent and accountable governance” and promised that “assistance will instead be redirected to support civil society.”
Chinese dams cloud Mekong River relations
So the new Chinese ambassador to Thailand will have a challenge to prove that the countries’ friendship remains strong. He can’t just resort to diplomatic rhetoric. Of course, being dubbed as a “younger sibling” and “one family”, will make Thais’ hearts glow. Yet the proof of fraternity will be seen in the river that runs unimpeded.
Forest complex reservoir project ‘in study phase’
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is attempting to allay concerns raised over a plan to construct a cluster of seven reservoirs around the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex by saying the project is still at its study phase.
Regulators set out sustainable finance initiatives
Thailand’s Working Group on Sustainable Finance has set out five key strategic initiatives to promote sustainable finance across the financial sector. The Working Group comprises the Fiscal Policy Office, the BOT (Bank of Thailand), the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), the OIC (Office of Insurance Commission), and the SET (Stock Exchange of Thailand).
Hardy hybrid rice helps sow seeds of success
But large-scale hybrid rice seed production still requires refinement and a deeper understanding of market needs, and by and large remains priced out of reach for smallholder farmers.
UNICEF says Cambodian children at very high risk of climate change impacts
Citing the first UNICEF global report on “The Climate Crisis Is a Child Rights Crisis: Introducing the Children’s Climate Risk Index”, the statement said Cambodian children ranked the world’s 46th most vulnerable among 163 countries and regions.
Programme promotes India-Mekong Sub-region cross-border trade
A programme to promote cross-border trade connectivity between India and countries in the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) was jointly held by trade promotion agencies of Cambodia, Vietnam, India and Thailand on August 19.
The Kachin insurgency could cut off Myanmar’s junta from the $30 billion jade trade
The KIA threat to Hpakant and Myitkyina could cut off the military from the lucrative jade trade.
The jade trade is estimated to be worth $31 billion annually. The Tatmadaw and major EAOs rely on jade to bolster their war chests and to line their leaders’ pockets.