Environment and natural resources

Water levels in the Mekong River are now at the lowest point in a century as of July 19, lower than a record set in April 1973.South East Asia’s Stimson Centre claims that, based on recent satellite images, the drastic lowering of the water level ...

The Mekong River, which flows through Laos, is experiencing a record low water level amid deficient rainfall.In Vientiane, the water level of the Mekong is 0.7 meters, or 5.54 meters below its long-term average water level measured over 57 years (1961-2018). It is about 1.36 ...

Vientiane, Lao PDR, 18 July 2019 – The Mekong water levels during this early flood season from June to July are among the lowest on record, falling below their historical long-term minimum levels. But the situation is expected to get better at the end of ...

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) – The European Union has provided 8 million Euros to support a new project in seven countries including Laos, in a move to strengthen their governments’ actions to combat wildlife trafficking and forest crime.In Laos, the national launch event of EU action, ...

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) – Local Saravan authorities have confirmed the province is facing serious challenges in preventing the spread of African swine fever with the reported number of pig deaths increasing.As of June 20, provincial officials reported 1,500 pigs had died from the disease, but ...

Authorities in Xieng Khuang province are investigating more officials allegedly involved in taking bribes in connection with the illegal timber trade which has caused great damage to the nation.The provincial Governor, Mr Bounton Chanthaphone, told a news conference, which was held as part of a ...

The Lao government has thanked Thailand for sending disinfection equipment to help contain an outbreak of African swine fever in Salavane province.Department of Livestock Development director-general Sorawit Thanito said on Sunday his counterpart in the Lao Department of Livestock and Fisheries had sent a letter ...

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) – There is growing concern in Vientiane about the impact of plastic waste on the environment.Mr Oudon Chanthavongsy, the owner of Lao Chaleunxay Recycle, a shop that has been buying plastic waste from people for many years, told me by telephone that ...

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) – The Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) of Australia have signed an agreement marking the re-establishment of knowledge transfer channels between the two organisations.The MRC Secretariat CEO, Dr An Pich Hatda, and the MDBA Chief Executive, Mr ...

The newly draft Amended Law on Forestry was approved by National Assembly (NA) during the 7th Ordinary Session last week (on 14 June 2019).During the session, the NA members raised questions and comments about this newly draft amended Law on Forestry, especially about the Forest Use rights, ...