China is helping Laos with its plans to develop as a regional power hub supplying electricity to Southeast Asia and China’s Yunnan province.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Only 11 sarus cranes spotted at Tram Chim National Park
The tallest species of flying birds on earth, and Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap province used to be their top destination in the Mekong Delta.
Environmental changes in the Mekong Delta spell trouble for farmers
Productivity may not last forever. In fact, delta farmers and other residents are already experiencing problems.
Bikes out, trees in: Hanoi tackles air pollution woes
In its pollution fight, the Hanoi city council this month approved a ban on motorcycles by 2030, hoping to boost public transport, including a new train system.
Mekong region faces even greater forest losses, WWF warns
With less than 30% of Greater Mekong’s forests remaining, new WWF report highlights efforts by people and communities trying to stop the devastation.
Lao Citizens Displaced by China-Linked Railroad Project Still Not Paid For Losses
While construction is well underway villagers say, “We have received nothing so far… no official from any department has come to talk to us.”
Workers say no to Vietnam’s ‘Special Exploitation Zones’
The 131 approved businesses and industries for these zones are not “green, high-tech, and knowledge-based” as stated goals–they’re completely the opposite.
Thailand moves to send poor quality plastic waste back where it came from
“The old option for rich nations to ship their waste halfway across the planet is disappearing.”
Yunnan once again pivot of Southeast Asia
But the real game changer will be the Pan-Asia Railway Network, with separate routs via Vietnam and Cambodia, one through Laos and the third through Myanmar.
‘Single-minded determination’: China’s global infrastructure spree rings alarm bells
“It’s basically under the guise of internationalizing China, but it’s more about resource extraction and attaining materials.”