The Asian Development Bank ( ADB ) has made all its economic and development research on Asia and the Pacific available under “open access initiative”, a principle that promotes unrestricted online access to scholarly research so that it can be more widely distributed and used, the multilateral lender said Thursday.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Salween Riverbank Collapse Worries Island Residents
A section of the river bank along the Salween River near Mottama in Mon State has collapsed due to recent sand extraction activities, resulting in increased damage to farming and paddy fields near Hinthar Island, according to island residents.
Minister Agrees Local Should Be Compensated For Confiscated Land
Hpa-an residents who lost their 40 acres of land to a construction project in town’s industrial zone want compensation from the government for the loss of their rubber plantations.
Thailand and Japan Agree To Sign Deal On Dawei Mega-project
It is expected that Thailand’s Prime Minister’s, Prayut Chan-o-cha’s will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the $60 billion Dawei mega project during his visit to Japan next week.
ADB urges protection of “natural capital” in the Mekong, while concerns persist about its huge infrastructure investment plans
Environment ministers from the six Mekong Region countries gather every three years to review environmental challenges and regional responses under the Greater Mekong Subregion Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM), hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Mon State Government Meets CSOs, NGOs and INGOs to Discuss Cooperation
To help increase cooperation for development projects in Mon State the Mon State Government held its first meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) on 6 January.
Signatures Gathered in Opposition to Coal-Fired Power Plant
The Parlian Regions United Group (PRUG) is currently gathering signatures from local residents in opposition to the Toyo Thai Group’s proposed coal-fired power plant, to be constructed near Aunden Village, Ye Township, Mon State.
Dawei Project Threatens Livelihood of Locals, Claims Ethnic Women’s Organization
The Dawei Special Economic Zone is threatening local peoples’ way of life, according to a report by the Tavoyan Women’s Union. The DSEZ, a joint venture of Thailand and Burma, has faced controversy since it’s inception with local and international human rights organisations expressing concerns over the project’s affect on the lives of people living in the zone.
PR: Theun–Hinboun Power Company’s Monitoring System Still Shrouded in Secrecy
In May 2014, the General Manager of the Theun – Hinboun Power Company (THPC), Mr. Robert Allen, was appointed as chair of the Lao Hydropower Developers’ Working Group. The Working Group, which is a platform for dam companies established by the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to support companies to “develop hydropower that meets environmental and social best practices” and “improve environmental and social risk management.” Yet, despite Mr. Allen assuming a leadership position in the Working Group, his own company has yet to follow international standards and principles of accountability.
Mong Ton residents call on spirits to protect Salween river
Shan Herald Agency for News About 150 villagers, community leaders and monks in Mong Ton township, southern Shan State held a blessing ceremony to protect the Salween river on Monday morning at the Pithakat Hongtam temple. Sai Nong, a villager from Mong Ton said, “We made merit to ward away bad things from the Salween. […]