Japan’s foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, told the Japanese parliament: “Japan is the largest provider of economic assistance to Myanmar and we aren’t planning any new projects. We have taken a clear stance.”
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Can the EU’s climate change plan work in Southeast Asia?
There’s big money driving dirty energy. If the EU takes a strong forceful stance on coal consumption in the region, it could spark anger from the main exporters of the commodity, China, India and Australia
Experts seek measures to promote Mekong Delta’s sustainable growth
The exploitation of the Mekong River’s upstream water resources, especially the building of hydropower dams, has caused changes in flow and reductions of alluvium deposits, harming fisheries resources and worsening saltwater intrusion.
Ministry to collaborate with bird association to further protection
The Ministry of Environment will collaborate with Cambodia Bird Guide Association (CBGA) to improve infrastructure and strengthen tourism services in community-protected areas, where most endangered animals live.
Government issues notice suspending certification of forest areas
Will suspend certifying the use of land in forest areas for conservation, protection and production.
Only issuing certification for locals who are living and producing nearby the forests, before the designation is to continue in some of the agreed areas.
Tourism developments threaten Cambodia’s forests and coastline
Ream National Park was once meant to be a model of sustainable ecotourism, but powerful business interests have other plans for the richly diverse beauty spot
Rivers can be climate change solutions, too
Rivers and their floodplains have the potential to act as shock absorbers to climate change, but the Mekong River illustrates the harsh reality communities face when infrastructure is poorly planned.
“Gs” in new strategic viewpoint on development of Mekong Delta (infographic)
At a conference reviewing the three years of implementation of Government Resolution 120 dated November 17, 2017 on climate resilient and sustainable development of Mekong River Delta, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc talked about a new strategic viewpoint involving eight “Gs” on the development of the region.
Northern Thailand Hit with Dangerous Levels of PM2.5 Dust Particles
Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, are suffering from extremely poor air quality conditions. Both northern provinces were found to have PM2.5 dust particle levels which exceed the 50-micron safety standard, with Wiang Pang Kham sub-district in Chiang Rai recording 247 microns.
Deforestation surge threatens endangered species in Tanintharyi, Myanmar
The recent surge in forest loss also coincides with military attacks on Tanintharyi Karen communities, which reportedly have displaced thousands of people who have nowhere to go but into the forest.