Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
‘Empty Forest Syndrome’ Creeps into Northeastern Cambodia
The roar of the tiger has been replaced by the growl of the chain saw in Northeastern Cambodia’s Virachey National Park.
Left to fend for themselves
Victims of Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy dam collapse in Laos languish in shelters, staring at an uncertain future.
Changes give Thai forest protection centre more authority, ease in identifying encroachers
The national land policy committee made history by allowing for the first time, those with conflicting claims to continue living in the forests without having their claims examined and verified.
China’s diplomatic shield has a price for Myanmar
Beijing is now pressing Myanmar to revive the Myitsone Dam project, which has been suspended for seven years, in exchange for its diplomatic protection.
Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake: where fishermen have no fish and no hope
The body of water provides most the country’s protein production. But overfishing and climate change threaten life on the lake
Riding the Durian Belt and Road: Risky times for Thai agriculture
As the Chinese dragon whips its tail, must Thai farmers fall in line, or can they gain some traction on their own to shape Thailand’s future agricultural policy?
Villagers in Laos Fearful of New Chinese Tourism Project
Authorities confirmed a Chinese firm’s looking to develop in Vang Vieng, but they say that land belonging to locals won’t be touched. Villagers are, however, skeptical.
Lao Protest Villager Freed, 11 Still Held
The villager was held since 2017 with a group arrested for protesting the loss of land awarded by the government to a Vietnamese rubber company. Eleven others remain in detention, with another reported to have died in custody last year.
Kachin’s plantation curse
Illegally grown tissue culture bananas are making quick profits for some, but are also fuelling land conflict and environmental degradation.