Environment and natural resources
Environmental and biodiversity protection
Laos, destination in illegal ivory trade, so far eludes global crackdown
When the authorities in Thailand recently intercepted huge stashes of ivory stuffed inside shipments of beans and tea leaves, the seizures were described as groundbreaking international police work. But there was a major omission in the operation, which took place over the past four months and uncovered ...
China climate targets prompt fears over surge in dam construction
China’s plan to cut carbon emissions commits Beijing to a surge in construction of ecologically destructive hydropower dams that heralds the end of free-flowing rivers in the country, experts say. Beijing last week formally submitted its 2030 goals for generating energy from non-fossil fuels, garnering international praise as nations ...
Groups call for halt on construction of major dam in Laos
The environmental group International Rivers has called on Laos to suspend construction of a major dam on the Mekong River and to continue talks with its concerned neighbours downstream. The Don Sahong Dam, which would spread across the river just above the Cambodian border, is a ...
Laos agrees to consult with neighbors on Don Sahong dam project
Laos has announced that it will submit the proposed Don Sahong dam on the Mekong River for “prior consultation” within a regional mechanism but will not suspend development of the controversial project that has been criticized by its neighbors and environmentalists. Previously, Laos has refused to comply with a ...
