A new deal gives China control of Laos’ power grid as the country faces looming debt from hydropower dams and other development projects.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
India funds seven water projects in Mekong Delta
The seven projects are in Tre, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, and Tien Giang provinces and combined will receive 350,000 USD.
EDL’s excess hydro\power generation sparks export opportunities
EDL sells 1,000 to 2,000 million kWh to Thailand annually and imports a similar amount, but Laos sells power to Thailand for only 5 cents per kWh but buys power at 11 cents.
Promoting the protection of Prey Lang Forests
New social and behaviour change communication campaign to protect forests and wildlife in Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary.
COVID-19 lockdown measures reduced air pollution in Southeast Asia
The degree of restriction has affected the air pollution over regions with high aerosols and pollutant levels.
Western NGOs in Myanmar support anti-China campaigns
Local villagers hadn’t received a clear scientific understanding of the landscape and the value of dams and blindly believed NGOs.
Chinese companies dominate Myanmar solar tender
Unusually, most of the winners do not have significant experience as independent power producers:
Vietnam fiercely fights against climate change
In the last 50 years, the average temperature of Vietnam has increased by about 0.62 degrees Celsius while the sea level also rises by 3.34mm per year.
Mekong Delta farmers wait for floodwaters
Farmers in the Mekong Delta’s upstream areas are waiting for the flood season, which brings sediment to rice fields and other areas of aquatic resources.
China’s hunger for rosewood helps fund armed conflicts
Myanmar and Thailand have found themselves on the frontline to prevent illegal logging and the thirst for rosewood trees, prized in China for furniture.