With less than 30% of Greater Mekong’s forests remaining, new WWF report highlights efforts by people and communities trying to stop the devastation.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Lao Citizens Displaced by China-Linked Railroad Project Still Not Paid For Losses
While construction is well underway villagers say, “We have received nothing so far… no official from any department has come to talk to us.”
Workers say no to Vietnam’s ‘Special Exploitation Zones’
The 131 approved businesses and industries for these zones are not “green, high-tech, and knowledge-based” as stated goals–they’re completely the opposite.
Thailand moves to send poor quality plastic waste back where it came from
“The old option for rich nations to ship their waste halfway across the planet is disappearing.”
Yunnan once again pivot of Southeast Asia
But the real game changer will be the Pan-Asia Railway Network, with separate routs via Vietnam and Cambodia, one through Laos and the third through Myanmar.
‘Single-minded determination’: China’s global infrastructure spree rings alarm bells
“It’s basically under the guise of internationalizing China, but it’s more about resource extraction and attaining materials.”
Reckoning With Human Rights Violations in Thailand’s Extraterritorial Investments
The human rights footprint of Thais is on the rise–linking malpractice of businesses, environmental destructions and large displacements.
Multiconsult to assess renewable energy impacts on Laos river
With IFC’s partnership, they hope to become a world leader with regards to putting principles for sustainable water resource management and hydropower planning into practice.
Lao delegation ducks questions at UN rights review
Refused to answer questions about the disappearance of Sombath Somphone, an agricultural expert and sustainable development proponent who vanished at a police checkpoint in 2012.
‘Economic war’ brings more mining deaths in Myanmar
Fifteen dead and 45 injured in yet another incident at one of Myanmar’s jade mines.