Environment and natural resources
Environment and natural resources policy and administration
Government urged to update environmental monitoring services
The operation mode of the environmental monitoring institutions needs an overhaul as the country is facing serious environmental problems as a result of an unsustainable development model. The Thi Vai River in Vietnam is contaminated by discharged waste water from Vedan’s factories. And many more incidents ...
Project to reduce chemical risks to environment launched
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in collaboration with the UN Development Programme on 14 April launched the “Vietnam Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) and Sound Harmful Chemicals Management Project”. The project is expected to provide technical support for the development of new regulations and technical ...
Vietnam warns of dire impact from planned Mekong dams
Vietnam has predicted “very high adverse effects” on the Mekong River environment and economy if 11 proposed dams are built on its lower mainstream. Mekong River Commission said it considers the report an internal document and is not yet releasing it. Vietnam has not released ...
Govt defends Junta order to push development projects
The Thai Junta’s latest order looks set to speed up 62 development projects in Thailand as it allows key preparations for implementation pending a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA). Various government figures on 10 March chorused that the order, issued by the National Council for Peace and ...
Activists slam 'fast-track' order
Thailand’s grassroots network has lashed out at the use of special powers to “fast track” mandatory environmental impact assessments for mega projects. A network of 46 civic groups, including Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation and the Stop Global Warming Association, issued a statement on 9 March, calling on ...
Thai Government dusts off cable car scheme
The Thai government has dusted off the controversial 4.4-km Phu Kradueng cable car project, initiated more than 30 years ago, claiming there will be little environmental impact during its construction and that it has overwhelming support from locals. The move came amid strong opposition from environmentalists. Keep reading ...
Cambodia ranks low on global green list
Cambodia has performed poorly in the 2016 edition of a recent environmental report, ranking a dismal 146 out of 180 countries. The Kingdom returned one of the lowest Environmental Performance Index (EPI) scores in the region, narrowly edging ahead of Myanmar and Laos. Keep reading View the report ...
Koh Kong sand dredging impact studies due
The Ministry of Mines and Energy plans to release the environmental impact assessments of two controversial sand-dredging companies in Koh Kong “soon”, ministry spokesman Meng Saktheara said on 15 February. Activists from NGO Mother Nature – three of whom have been arrested for interfering with the ...
Cambodian CSOs seek Lao dam discussion at summit
Frustrated by Laos ploughing ahead with its controversial Don Sahong dam despite past promises to consult neighbouring countries, Cambodian civil society representatives have called on Prime Minister Hun Sen, US President Barack Obama and ASEAN chair Le Luong Minh to raise the issue at next week’s ...
Cambodian activists want Laos dam on US-ASEAN agenda
Civil society groups are calling for Laos’ Don Sahong hydropower dam project to be discussed when Southeast Asian leaders meet with President Barack Obama next week at the Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage, California. The unprecedented U.S.-hosted ASEAN summit comes amid increased efforts by the Obama ...
