Aung Thu Nyein, director of interactions at the Institute for Strategy and Policy–Myanmar, stated the loans provided by China under the BRI are making the scenario even worse.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Survey backs calls to end illegal wildlife markets
However, people surveyed were divided on trust issues. Less than 45% trusted governments to follow through on what they regard as a very important issue.
Vietnamese rubber giant razes indigenous lands in Cambodia
As the pandemic delayed a ministry decision, the firm razed another 45 hectares of indigenous territory, laying waste to two spirit mountains, wetlands, old-growth forest and burial grounds.
Elephants’ migration to village brings new stress
But some are hopeful that the crisis might jumpstart a reflection on the unregulated and often brutal nature of animal tourism — a large, lucrative contributor to Thailand’s economy.
Thailand pushes large-scale groundwater innovation for farmers
The government is also promoting the agricultural sector to use groundwater in parallel with surface water, so farmers can enjoy better quality of life and have enough water for cultivation all year-round.
Myanmar revamps industrial zone law
The new Law seeks to address the prevalent problem of land speculation and improve environmental governance of more than 60 industrial zones across the country.
Cambodia’s Hun Sen Says political ally can develop untouched island
The announcement coming just days after a group of activists were blocked by authorities from demanding the island be kept in its pristine state.
Grant calls now open: COVID-19 and water insecurity research in the Mekong Region
SUMERNET announces 2 calls for 2020: rapid response and COVID-19 emerging research.
For forest communities without a legal footing, new guideline is a starting template
Legal toolkit modeled after community forests in Nepal, the Philippines and Tanzania, where researchers analyzed local laws and worked with local authorities and experts.
Companies fail to address Myanmar jade mine abuses
Report says the jade mining industry helps to finance conflicts between the army and armed ethnic groups, causes land degradation, water pollution and landslides that kill hundreds annually.