China acknowledged criticism of its Belt and Road Initiative at last month’s forum in Beijing, at which the Myitsone dam was off the agenda (at least publicly) at talks with Myanmar.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Sand mining ‘mafias’ destroying environment, livelihoods – UN
Communities in the Asian deltas are the biggest losers, with the combined effect of sand mining, hydropower dams and groundwater extraction causing large areas of land to sink and shrink.
Thailand adopts carbon tax for motorcycles
The cabinet hopes the tax will help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and therefore also reduce fine-particulate pollution over the long-term.
China, Japan to join Thailand’s EEC smart city plan
The smart city initiative is likely to be the second development project involving collaboration with China and Japan, following the high-speed rail network.
No Dam: Images of devastation and determination
After eight years of suspended construction the victims of China’s massive Myitsone Dam in Myanmar are still fighting for justice.
Endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin Population Decreases Further
The discovery of the body of a young female Irrawaddy dolphin found in Thabeikyin Township, Mandalay Region on Saturday has further reduced the population of the increasingly rare dolphin breed from 72 to 71.
Massive base metals mine in Myanmar to start production in 2021
It will be the world’s No. 3 producing lead mine and the tenth largest silver operation It’s also set to become a significant zinc producer.
Environmentalist warns of long-term impacts of reckless hydropower development
Hydropower-reliant countries will face significant negative impacts in the long-term and could see a repeat of the tragic bursting of the Xe Pian Xe Namnoy dam in Laos last July that killed dozens.
Pollution threatens 1 million Rohingya refugees: Study
More than 60% of respondents were being treated for medical conditions like wheezing, tightness of chest, rapid breathing, eczema, high fever, skin and eye irritation and shortness of breath.