- by Mao Xianqiang, Guo Xiurui
China is one of the world's leading users of coal and is therefore faced with serious coal-smoke pollution in urban areas. But pressure is mounting for a solution and this can only intensify following Beijing's successful bid for the 2008 Olympic games. To find just such a solution, this study…
- by Tran Huu Tuan
Cultural landmarks such as temples, ancient fortresses and t lost' cities are key destinations for tourists across Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, in many instances, there is not enough money or resources to adequately protect these historically important sites from the ravages of the weather or from the wear and tear caused…
- by Funing Zhong, Manxiu Ning, Li Xing
Across the developing world, governments are grappling with the challenge of how best to support small-scale farmers in ways that do not damage the environment. A new study from China - where the problem is particularly acute - has found that government subsidies for crop insurance are a potential solution.…
- by Bui Dung The
Soil erosion is a major problem in almost all countries in Southeast Asia, particularly in upland areas. Farmers here often cultivate marginal land that is easily washed away if heavy rains occur or if soil conservation measures are not practised. One of the challenges facing these farmers is how best…
- by Thang Nam Do
Wetlands provide rich environments for wildlife as well as agriculture. This frequently results in a conflict between wetland conservation and agricultural development. This, in turn, means that research into the interplay between development decision making, agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability in wetlands is crucial. This study from Vietnam has looked…
- by Luthfi Fatah
Coal mining is an engine of economic growth in many developing countries, but it is also responsible for a great deal of environmental pollution and social disruption. This study has looked at the impact of coal mining on the economy and environment of the province of South Kalimantan - one…
- by Pham Khanh Nam, Tran Vo Hung Son
The study assesses the recreational value of the Hon Mun islands in Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam. It compares the economic benefits that tourism on the islands provides with those expected from the proposed expansion of a nearby port. It finds that the potential benefits from port expansion are outweighed by…
- by Rosalina Palanca Tan
Many environmental policies and programmes help save people's lives. However, it can be difficult to assign this key benefit a value.' Because of this, mortality reduction is often not taken into account when potential projects are assessed. This omission can result in projects being undervalued and cancelled. To try and…
- by Arief Anshory Yusuf
It is widely acknowledged that the three dimensions of sustainable development economic, social, and environmental-are crucial, inseparable and inter- related. In many cases, however, their goals come into conflict with one another. This conflict often arises in the case of environment-related policies, the issue of climate change mitigation being no…
- by Mai Van Nam, Nguyen Tan Nhan, Bui Van Trinh, Pham Le Thong
Tropical forest protection is an area fraught with difficulty. Many approaches backfire because they go against the needs of local people who, rather than get actively involved in forest conservation, exploit the resource because they have no vested interest in doing otherwise. To investigate this problem, and to decide what…
- by Siriporn Kiratikarnkul
The disposal of pig farm waste is becoming a major environmental challenge across Southeast Asia. To help find the best solution to this problem, this study has looked at the situation in Thailand where the government is promoting the use of biogas conversion plants as a way forward. The study…
- by Bambang Tri Hartono
One potential method for reducing tropical forest destruction is the creation of environmentally-sustainable plantations that can supply wood and paper pulp products and so reduce demand for timber from virgin forests. Whether plantations meet this objective depends in part on how well they perform in planting trees and bringing them…
- by Vo Thanh Danh
Supplying clean water to households is� perhaps the most pressing challenge facing governments across Southeast� Asia. This study from Vietnam has looked at the water supply options available in the country's Mekong Delta. It finds that ground water extraction represents the best alternative both in terms of its popularity and…
- by Phoupet Kyophilapong
Wetlands are among the most important habitats for wildlife in the world. However, across Southeast Asia many wetland areas are under threat from water extraction and a range of other development pressures. This study finds that conserving wetlands can provide significant economic benefits. Download
- by Kanittha Tambunlertchai
Thailand, like many developing nations, is facing a wide range of environmental challenges, many of which are caused by industrial pollution. The country has found that traditional command and control legislation is not effectively tackling this problem. It is therefore promoting various voluntary environmental programmes as a way for businesses…
- by Mai Van Nam
Forest fires are a major cause of environmental destruction across Southeast Asia, resulting in loss of ecosystems and productive resources and creating smoke pollution. The fires that engulfed much of Sumatra and Kalimantan in 1997 had serious effects on neighbouring countries and attracted world-wide attention. Fires whose impact are mostly…