“Plastic pollution that originates along a river like the Mekong, may make its way out to the sea, and ultimately — given winds and waves and currents — that could end up on Australian shores as well.”
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Myanmar: Power System Efficiency Project Brings Country Closer to Universal Electricity Access
The World Bank approved a US$350 million credit to increase the output and efficiency of power generation and improve the resilience of Myanmar’s electricity system to climate change and disasters.
Farmers given 90 days to hand in chemicals
Manufacturers or importers of hazardous agrochemicals paraquat and chlorpyrifos — which are banned under Thai law — have 270 days to destroy stocks and farmers have a 90-day deadline.
Vietnam development model needs upgrade: WB
Vietnam has reached an inflection point in its economic development and needs to look for new models, the World Bank says.
Investigation exposes European firms exploiting loophole to import Myanmar teak
A new investigation has uncovered a scheme exploiting a loophole in the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) allowing European companies to buy Myanmar teak without conducting due diligence.
Banana Farms in Laos Sicken Villagers, Even as They Provide Steady Work
Villagers working on the Chinese plantations become weak and tired after only two or three years working, and often suffer from chronic headaches and dizziness believed to be from the use of chemicals.
Thailand found failing to log fishermen’s complaints of abuse and slavery
Complaints of labour abuses and slavery on Thai fishing boats are routinely going unreported by the authorities, raising fears that hundreds of fishermen have been denied justice and compensation.
Cambodia plans to develop huge Sihanoukville beach
Otres 2 Beach is 1,746 metres long and the plan is to contribute boosting the image and cleanliness of the area to attract tourists, to increase the beauty of the public beach, to protect the environment and social order.
From drink bottles to tobacco sachets, UN study traces plastic pollution hot spots in the Mekong and Ganges
Researchers found that some top plastic leakage hot spots are illegal dump sites, including one along Thailand’s Mun river which feeds into the Mekong.