Track has been laid along the whole length of the 422.4-km railway and the test will be conducted in August before the railway opens for operation in December.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Huge cast-off fishing net removed, damaged coral reef replanted
Divers reported the net covered 2.75 sq km of the reef off Koh Losin, and that 500 sq m of the reef was severely damaged.
Delta province of Ca Mau to invest US$38.7 million to build coastal embankment
According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the western coast sees erosion on a length of about 48km, more than half is in dangerous erosion. Meanwhile, erosion hits 57km on the eastern coast, of which 40km is classified as dangerous.
Vietnamese public support closing wildlife markets and ending deforestation
The report by the WWF and research firm GlobeScan found 94 per cent of respondents were very likely or likely to support the efforts by the Government and health ministry to close all such markets.
Chinese-backed New city project on Myanmar-Thai border under COVID-19 lockdown
Work began on the Shwe Kokko project in 2017. Allegations soon emerged that Chinese criminal gangs are involved in the project and are using it as a base for illicit activities including money laundering.
Kingdom’s sustainable energy plans may be empowered as oil and gas industries stumble
Cambodia’s plans to develop sustainable energy generation may get a boost from international investors eyeing the region for opportunities.
Min of Agriculture responds to allegations of loss of fisheries
The Ministry of Agriculture responds to criticism and accusations by opposition groups and the media that the decline and loss of fish production is due to the incompetence of the Ministry, the Fisheries Administration and local officials.
Citizen scientists tackle Mekong environmental challenges
The process of community citizen science is in line with the desirable process of public participation, which is intended to influence decisions, elevate democratic capacity, and empower marginalized individuals and communities.
Mother Nature eco activists arrested on ‘terrorism’ charges
On Friday, government mouthpiece Fresh News reported that National Police Spokesperson Chhay Kimkhouen that the Mother Nature activists were not engaging in environmental protection but were instead using foreign funds to topple the government.
Myanmar junta’s growing reliance on extractives for cash raises concerns
If governments effectively sanction or suspend the natural gas revenue generated for the military junta, it will lose $1 billion a year being used to hurt Myanmar’s people,” John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch, one of several groups that has campaigned to stop gas payments to the junta, said in a statement. “That kind of economic impact could put real pressure on the military to stop its brutal repression and return the country to a democratic path.”