Assessments fail because investors will lose upfront project costs if the dam isn’t approved and, because there’s no effective independent regulatory system in Laos to ensure accurate project planning and accountability.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Vietnamese provinces say “no” to coal plants–government and industry still want more
Growing health issues, conflicts over land seizures, climate change and the economic viability of renewables have yet to bring about a change of course.
Police intercept pickup packed with pangolins on what to China
Police charged a man with animal trafficking after finding 76 pangolins in the back of his truck He said the pangolins were on their way to be used in traditional medicine in China.
Fast trains to Laos ‘in 4 years’
The Thai government will push for completion of the Thai-Sino high-speed railway project linking Bangkok and Nong Khai by 2023 so it can connect to another fast rail project in Laos.
Chinese company to build new Yangon City has troubles abroad
The company has been embroiled in numerous controversies surrounding alleged fraud, corruption and bribery in many other countries where it implemented similar development projects.
The hidden costs of hydro: We need to reconsider world’s dam plans
Lack of transparency and corruption between government and dam construction companies is at the heart of the problem preventing change.
China’s chequebook diplomacy in Cambodia a double-edged sword creating resentment
Tensions rise as locals worry about the threat of Chinese-owned businesses and enclaves to their livelihood, homes and rights, as the programme Insight discovers.