Story | 26 Jun, 2017
New tools to assess vulnerability of wetlands in the Mekong
From June 19 to 21, IUCN staff, partners, and local officials from the Xe Champhone and Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar sites in Lao PDR gathered in Champhone District for a training on the use of a new series of tools to assess the vulnerability of the areas’ wetlands. The…
Story | 07 Apr, 2017
COMPACT workshop: engaging local communities in world heritage stewardship
A three-day training workshop on “Engaging indigenous peoples and local communities in participatory management of protected areas and benefit sharing” took place from 28 February to 2 March 2017 at the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. The…
Press release | 03 Apr, 2017
Enhancing regional cooperation to protect and restore Indo-Burma wetlands
The importance of regional cooperation took centre stage at the first Steering Committee meeting and inception workshop for the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI), held on 29 and 30 March in Bangkok, Thailand.
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 | 11 Jan, 2017
It started with ten farmers sitting around a fire: a tale of a community forestry enterprise
Nearly a decade has passed since a small group of farmers gathered around a fire to lament the increasing costs of their trade, and the toll that modern practices and inputs was taking on their land. As the embers of the fire settled, they resolved to take action to improve their farms,…
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 | 13 Oct, 2016
Video: Key stakeholders’ perspectives on International Water Law in the Mekong
International rivers, such as the Mekong, are crucial arteries carrying the lifeblood of freshwater that sustains human existence and ecosystems around the world. It is estimated that there are 276 transboundary river basins (TRB) and 200 transboundary aquifers around the world but 60…
Story | 20 Sep, 2016
Conserving the natural wealth of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) in the Indo-Burma region continues to gather momentum with the launch of two new calls for proposals, the organisation of capacity building events and discussions on the grant-making mechanism’s plans for the future.
Story | 15 Sep, 2016
Thailand: Where mangrove (trees) thrive, birds prosper
Mangroves are a sign of resilience and resistance and are critical in maintaining the health of local fishing industries and in protecting vulnerable coastlines from natural disasters. They provide spawning and nursery areas for fish, food and other products for local livelihoods, and they offer…
Story | 22 Jul, 2016
Asia Protected Areas Partnership gathers pace as Steering Committee meets in Bangkok
“APAP has made tremendous progress. It has greatly expanded its membership, and is now becoming truly regional in scope; it has a clearer identity and a much higher profile; and most importantly, it has started to fulfil its vision of being a platform for sharing best practices in…