Story | 03 Mar, 2017
Hopeful signs in campaign against wildlife trafficking
As the consumerism-oriented economy has increased globally, so too has the demand for wildlife products. In the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, wildlife trafficking is severely threatening many vulnerable species, including Asian big cats, African elephants, rhinos and pangolins.
Story | 02 Mar, 2017
Significant development of the Mekong triggers study of conservation priorities
The Mekong, which runs through six countries – Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam – is of fundamental cultural, ecological and economic importance to the entire Mekong region. What stands to be gained from the river’s development for economic purposes is as great as the…
Story | 28 Feb, 2017
Biodiversity and sustainable development goals in Lao PDR: Capitalising on coordinated efforts
IUCN and the Lao National Mekong Committee Secretariat (LNMCS), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and MONRE co-organised a workshop on 17 February 2017 to facilitate discussions on the modalities and arrangements for…
Story | 06 Feb, 2017
Botanical Garden in Lao PDR: Generating awareness for biodiversity conservation
After seven years of preparations, the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR opened to the public last month. The jungle of regrowth which almost obliterated the garden has given way to an extensive series of medicinal plants, lotus-filled ponds, bamboo and palm trees and a…
Story | 02 Feb, 2017
On the occasion of World Wetlands Day on February 2, IUCN is announcing the launch of a regional project to enhance the resilience of wetlands in Lower Mekong countries. Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation,…
Story | 16 Jan, 2017
Workshop on Mapping Asia Plants (MAP): Southeast Asia Plant Database Development
On Nov. 28 - 30, the Workshop on Mapping Asia Plants (MAP): Southeast Asia Plant Database Development was held in Beijing. The workshop was organised by the Biodiversity Committee, Chinese Academy of Sciences (BC-CAS), a member of IUCN. In attendance were 24 participants from China, India,…
Story | 26 Dec, 2016
Representatives of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam recently met in Bangkok to discuss the objectives and work plan of the newly established Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI). IBRRI was approved by the 52nd meeting of the Ramsar Convention Standing Committee (SC 52)…
Story | 12 Dec, 2016
Value we see in trees: innovation and the exchange of ideas
Innovation is a key to improving the rights and livelihoods of farmers and small land holders while encouraging them to plant trees and effectively restore landscapes. During a regional knowledge exchange in Thailand, the Tree Bank offered one such innovation.
Story | 02 Dec, 2016
Tackling wildlife trafficking through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
Recognising the significant and detrimental economic, environmental, security-related, and social impacts of the illegal trade in wildlife, 42 countries adopted the Hanoi Statement on Illegal Wildlife Trade on 17 November 2016. The Statement that was adopted at the Hanoi Conference on illegal…
Story | 23 Nov, 2016
Biodiversity monitoring in China
Co-hosted by the Bureau of Science & Technology for Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biodiversity Committee (BC), CAS, the 2nd National Symposium on Biodiversity Monitoring was successfully held on 13 October, 2016 in Beijing, China. More than 280 participants including five …