Home » Article » Page 688

Category: Article

Dams may worsen arsenic problem: study

By Paritta Wangkiat

A Stanford University study conducted in Cambodia has shed new light on the natural introduction of the poison arsenic into groundwater – an established problem in Cambodia that could be exacerbated by hydrological development, particularly dams, researchers say.

According to a report on their findings, published in the journal Nature Geoscience on Friday, the Stanford team carried out experiments on wetlands in Kandal province’s Kien Svay district in order to better understand how water is contaminated by the lethal toxin here and in other parts of South and Southeast Asia.

Mekong Dolphin Extinction, Hydropower and Climate Change

By Paritta Wangkiat

Scientists for the Mekong offer this article to inform the public, the delegates at COP21, and decision-makers worldwide about the impacts of hydropower development on the Lower Mekong River, and the serious repercussions for 60 million people in SE Asia. This article provides an overview of the many significant environmental and social impacts of hydropower dams on the Mekong River basin.

Heated Mae Sot SEZ 97 households are convicted

By Nantiya Tangwisutijit

Lands have been expropriated and Mae Sot villagers, who worry about having industrial estates in the area instead. They protested against the issuing of ‘land deeds’ for originally reserved forest. If the state succeeds then local communities could be arrested as invaders, said a conservation group of Mae sot residents. The expropriated areas include 803 rai of national reserved forest, 2,182 rai of permanent forest area, and 13 rai of public space. The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand was assigned to manage 803 rai and the Treasury Department manages 1,287 rai.

Myanmar will join the first time on EITI report –7 Days Daily (Burmese language)

By Nantiya Tangwisutijit

“Myanmar has $2.5 Bn income from oil and gas industry which is the data provide from the government” said Mr. Wan Aung, the CSO representative from Myanmar EITI committee. However, the figures will be much higher, as it excludes some of the oil and gas exploration site. The EITI report will release in January 2016. But, Myanmar will not report some other sectors, like gems. Myanmar government said the annual revenue from Jade is $650 mn, but the recent Global Witness report said, it could be $31 bn, and it equals 48% of the country’s GDP.

IEAT aims to establish industrial estates in SEZs –Bangkok Biz (Thai language)

By Nantiya Tangwisutijit

The governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Mr. Verapong Chaiperm mentioned that currently, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is accelerating the study design on the establishment of industrial estates in the special economic zones in Sa kaeo and Mae Sot, Tak provinces in according to the policies of Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy prime minister who has been delegated during the recent Policy Committee on Special Economic Zone Development. They are expecting to finish the study within the six months period before the implementation of the next investment phrase. This is a part of the pilot project that will also engage private sectors to invest in this respective area. For investment of enterprises which are required to comply with IEAT’s rules and regulations involved many steps for example, the study on EIA and is subjected to PM’s consideration if any special laws can be applied to shorten the process in order to speed up the investment and to meet the required timeframe.

With Asean Integration Come More Threats to Natural Resources: NGO Forum

By Nantiya Tangwisutijit

Asean integration will start at end of this year, opening the region to a free flow of goods and services across borders. But many analysts say Cambodia will have a difficult time integrating and benefiting from the cooperation. There are other downsides, as well. VOA Khmer recently spoke with Toek Vannara, director of the NGO Forum, to discuss the likely environmental problems Cambodia and other countries could face if they do not act to protect their natural resources.]

Report: Myanmar’s Protected Areas Are Facing Critical Funding Shortages

By Nantiya Tangwisutijit

Myanmar’s protected areas are facing critical funding shortages, with several unable to cover the costs of essential equipment, maintenance, and operational activities, in addition to needing more dedicated staff with increased technical capacities. A new report offers an assessment of the financial status, constraints, and opportunities for financing of these areas.

The report, Sustainable Financing of Protected Areas in Myanmar (http://goo.gl/cGip0X), was published by WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) under a research project funded by the European Union.