Long-running environmental saga no closer to a happy resolution
Category: Article
Ministry proposes establishment of Ramsar site network
The management of Ramsar sites in the country still faces difficulties, and the Ramsar Convention’s objectives and strategic plans on conservation and the sound use of wetlands have not been fully and promptly implemented, resulting in the threat of biodiversity reduction at these sites.
World Bank Support to Protect Landscapes/Enhance Livelihoods
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a US$57 million project to help Lao PDR promote sustainable forest management, improve protected area management, and enhance livelihoods opportunities in eight provinces across the country.
We neglect Asia’s freshwater fishes at our peril
But there’s no mystery about the cause of this crisis: It’s down to us – from building on wetlands and floodplains, to our poorly planned hydropower dams to over-abstraction of water for agriculture, unsustainable fishing, pollution, invasive species, sand mining and climate change.
Red River’s clear colors blamed on dams, pollution
Vu Dinh Thuy, deputy director of Lao Cai’s Natural Resources and Environment Department, said this is not the first time the Red River has changed into such a color and this phenomenon has happened around this time of year for the past five years.
Widespread illegal logging in Prey Lang rainforest amid ban on community patrols
“While Cambodian authorities prevent the Prey Lang Community Network and environmental defenders from protecting the Prey Lang wildlife sanctuary, illegal loggers are clearing land with impunity.”
Water levels on the Mekong River are declining sharply: Who is to blame?
The Mekong’s normal flow can be restored if large volumes of water are consistently and reliably released from Chinese dam reservoirs. However, China’s water policy shows Beijing is unlikely to change its behavior and the worst for the Mekong is yet to come.
China Dams Continue to Hinder Water Flow on the Mekong River
“But it is not about China alone, because there is a need for governance of the river that recognizes its ecological value and its multiple uses for millions of local communities.”
New dam management guidelines to minimise water issues
If water levels in downstream rivers dry up or are insufficient for use in a way that affects biodiversity and agricultural and industrial production and has other impacts, the operators are obliged to provide notification of the situation.
Can a Dam Deal Buy Beijing’s Support for Myanmar’s Junta?
If China takes the bait and resumes this and other deeply unpopular hydropower projects in partnership with the new junta, it is likely to permanently alienate the people of Myanmar, including their democratic leaders.