Mining destroys local way of life
A recent report presented at a workshop held by the People and Nature Centre (PanNature) and the Viet Nam Mining Coalition showed that mining activities is a direct cause of hunger and poverty in localities.
10 Reasons Why Climate Initiatives Should Not Include Large Hydropower Projects
Large hydropower projects are often propagated as a “clean and green” source of electricity by international financial institutions, national governments and other actors. They greatly benefit from instruments meant to address climate change, including carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), credits from the World Bank’s Climate Investment Funds, and special financial terms from export credit agencies and green bonds. The dam industry advocates for large hydropower projects to be funded by the Green Climate Fund, and many governments boost dams as a response to climate change through national initiatives. For example, at least twelve governments with major hydropower sectors have included an expansion of hydropower generation in their reports on Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
Vietnam needs better management of mineral resources
Vietnam needs to raise awareness of mineral resources and take measures to boost intensive processing in order to reduce losses and protect the environment, suggested experts at a seminar in Hanoi on December 3.
Report: REDD+ Finance Flows 2009-2014
The report "REDD+ Finance Flows 2009-2014: Trends and Lessons Learned in REDDX Countries" contains detailed information and analysis of REDD+ finance flows in major REDD+ countries. Based on the report findings, our key recommendations urge policymakers to provide clarity around long-term plans for finance, increase coordination across scales and between donors, and enhance private sector engagement.
Save the Mekong Statement Calling for Cancellation of The Don Sahong Dam
The Save the Mekong Coalition urges Mekong governments to take immediate action to cancel the Don Sahong Dam before construction begins at the end of November.
Mekong River basin residents demand stop to upriver dams
Many people in Viet Nam, Thailand and Cambodia are demanding a stop to the construction of hydropower dams in the Mekong River basin, which they claim have destroyed their livelihoods.
Immediate Release from Mekong People’s Forum
An Giang, Vietnam - More than 100 people gathered yesterday in An Giang, Vietnam for the historic Mekong People’s Forum: “Local Mekong People’s Voices: the message to Mekong governments on Mekong dams.” Participants included community members from the Tonle Sap lake, communities along the Mekong and 3S Rivers in Cambodia, from Northern and Northeastern Thailand’s communities along the Mekong and from An Giang, Dak Lak and Ca Mau, Vietnam. Most people have already experienced direct impacts from dams on the Mekong and its tributaries. The meeting marks the first time that communities from different Mekong countries have organized themselves to create a common platform from which to raise their concern regarding the impacts of existing and planned hydropower projects on the Mekong River.
Mineral exploitation damaging VN environment, report
Minerals have been exploited in such large quantities that it has caused serious devastation to people’s living environment.
The New Mekong: Changes and Expectations
On Thursday, October 29, 2015, stakeholders and experts on hydropower development and water resources in the Lower Mekong River Basin participated in a panel discussion entitled, “The New Mekong: Changes and Expectations.” Panelists included Mr. Trinh Le Nguyen (People and Nature Reconciliation), Mr. Nguyen Hong Toan (former Vietnam National Mekong Committee Secretary-General), Dr. Richard Cronin (The Stimson Center), Dr. Tran Viet Thai (Institute for Foreign Policy and Strategic Studies), and Mr. Jake Brunner (IUCN). A few key themes and topics were reiterated throughout the discussion:
Law enforcement officers and journalists honored for their contribution to wildlife protection
HANOI, October 14, 2015 -- Today, the United States Agency for International (USAID), Freeland and Education for Nature – Vietnam (ENV) hosted the second annual "Outstanding Achievement Awards for Wildlife Protection" ceremony to honor five law enforcement officers and two journalists for their contributions to the protection of wildlife in Vietnam.