Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Six years after rights activist Billy disappeared, justice remains elusive
At the time of his enforced disappearance, Billy, a Karen environmental and community rights defender, was in Kaeng Krachan Park to challenge human rights violations against Karen people.
Cà Mau to supply clean water for drought-affected households
The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Cà Mau plans to build more water supply systems, set up water pipes, drill bore wells, and provide water containers for households affected by drought and saline intrusion.
Sanctuaries now state land
The Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary in Koh Kong province and Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri province is now classified as state land to eliminate land grabbing offences.
Three Arrested in Laos for Illegally Mining Gold on Land Leased by Chinese Company
Authorities in Laos’ Luang Prabang province arrested three rural villagers for trespassing after they tried to mine gold on land granted in a concession to a Chinese company, RFA has learned.
Thailand Proposes Joint Study with China, Neighbors on Mekong River Drought
Thailand on Friday called for a joint study with China and neighboring countries to determine what caused a devastating drought in the Lower Mekong Basin last year, after a U.S.-funded report indicated that Chinese dams had restricted the flow of water downstream.
Forest fires rage in northern Thailand
He added that the subsistence farmers have yet to start their burning season this year, and are not the culprits of the current forest fires.
Coronavirus lockdown leads to a spike in poaching of critically endangered animals
‘Suddenly rural people have little to turn to but natural resources and we’re already seeing a spike in poaching,’ said Colin Poole, WCS regional director for Greater Mekong in Southeast Asia.