- by Lourdes O. Montenegro, Annie G. Diola, Elizabeth M. Remedio
From Singapore to South Korea, many countries across Southeast Asia are reclaiming large tracts of coastline to create space for new factories, homes and recreation. The aim is to boost economic prosperity and relieve congestion, but such projects also create environmental problems. To get a better picture of the overall…
- by Nguyen Quoc Chinh
As anyone who has stood in a field of cows will tell you, cattle manure can be a particularly unpleasant pollution problem. In many countries across Southeast Asia, it has become a significant environmental challenge because cattle are being reared in ever-larger ' numbers close to human habitation. In an…
- by Sitanon Jesdapipat, Siriporn Kiratikarnkul
Thailand, like many other countries, is finding the development of renewable sources of energy a complex challenge. However, this study has shown that good economic management combined with targeted incentives could allow micro-hydro schemes to make a viable contribution to the nation's sustainable development. The study looked at pricing and…
- by Jintao Xu
According to this study, the pollution levy policy that the country has pursued since the early 1980s has been helpful in improving both environmental performance and economic efficiency. The research focused on the Chinese paper industry. As well as giving the green light to pollution levies and recommending that they…
- by Junlian Zhang
One of the obstacles many conservation strategies face is the amount of time and money it actually costs for people t o be involved in their implementation - in other words, their "transaction costs" (TCs) . A new study from China has looked at how these costs have affected an…
- by Antonia Crinthia C Naz, Mario Tuscan N Naz
The treatment of solid waste is a major priority in countries across Southeast Asia. Economic development and population growth, particularly in the region's mega-cities, have made the challenge more acute. This is particularly true in the Philippines, where the legacy of dangerous open dump sites such as 'Smokey Mountain' have…
- by LHP Gunaratne, P K Premarathne
Elephants are one of the 'big five' wildlife species ; their survival is one of the 'holy grails' of conservation. Unfortunately, because of their size and migratory behaviour, elephants often come into conflict with people. This is especially true in densely populated Southeast Asia. This study from Sri Lanka looks…
- by Elvira M. Orbetta, Carlito M. Rufo, Jr., Anabeth L. Indab
Pollution from power stations is a growing problem in many developing nations. The Philippines is no exception and many people in the country are voicing concerns about the effects on people's health. However, a recent study has shown that, when economic costs and benefits are weighed up, there are ways…
- by Jikun Huang, Fangbin Qiao, Linxiu Zhang, Scott Rozelle
China, like many developing countries, has seen a dramatic increase in the use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals over the last twenty years. In order to get a clearer understanding of the consequences of pesticide use, a team of researchers from the Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy recently undertook…
- by Billy Manoka
Valuation is one of the key tools used by environmental economists to inform decision making on crucial issues such as habitat conservation and land-use planning. By calculating how much a resource is worth, researchers can give advice on the economic benefits of conserving it or calculate damage claims or compensation…
- by Yaoqi Zhang, Jussi Uusivuori, Jari Kuuluvainen
Tropical forest destruction has been the subject of a great deal of research. Relatively little work has been done on the factors that lead to the expansion of forest land and help counter some of the negative impacts of tropical forest loss. The study, which looked at the Chinese province…
- by Nguyen Nghia Bien
One of the challenges facing forest conservation in Southeast Asia is to develop management systems that deliver environmental sustainability and secure long-term livelihoods for local people. Choosing and developing such systems is a complex task since there are many diverse and often conflicting interests to take into account. This study…
- by Thanakvaro Thyl de Lopez, Kan Vibol, Som Proeung, Pol Dareth, Sing Thea, Cheiv Sarina, Sim Song, Veoun Chantha, Nget Vanday, Leng Bunly, Choeun Sinoeun
For the past decade, efforts to manage in a sustainable way the once bountiful natural resources of Cambodia have been confounded by short-term commercial interests.� Protection of the environment is seen as a luxury in a country where the majority lives under the poverty line. Budget constraints and pressing social…
- by Ma. Angeles O Catelo, Moises A. Dorado, Elpidio Agbisit, Jr.
As livestock production increases worldwide, livestock waste is becoming a serious environmental hazard. In some cases, the damages have been spectacular and even tragic. In June 1995, the artificial waste lagoon at a hog farm in North Carolina burst. The sudden release of nearly 100 million litres of hog urine…
- by Udomsak Seenprachawong
The famous 'paradise' islands of Phi Phi are so popular that they are in danger of being loved to death.� Tourists from all over the world are putting increasing pressure on this fragile ecosystem. In response to this problem, a new study has found justification to introduce a system of…
- by Udomsak Seenprachawong
Ancient temples are among Southeast Asia's most important cultural artifacts. They are priceless in terms of their historical and religious importance. They are also vital foreign currency earners as key destinations for tourists. Unfortunately, many temples are in poor condition and deteriorating. One of the key challenges across the region…
- by Linda M Penalba, John A Fajardo, Flordeliza A Sanchez Aida O. Grande
Modern biotechnology is one of the most controversial areas of scientific development. It has been championed as a solution to poverty, hunger and environmental degradation. However, there are also many environmental, health and social equity concerns associated with the genetic modification of crops and animals. The challenge, particularly for developing…
- by Sideth Muong
Across the developing world, governments are grappling with the problem of industrial pollution. A new report from Cambodia looks into a system of pollution levies that would encourage polluting firms to clean up their emissions. This study sets out a series of charges that are projected to produce pollution reductions…
- by Zenaida M. Sumalde, Suzette L. Pedroso
It is conventional wisdom among development agencies that to be effective, resource management programs must be based on local participation. This approach - usually called "community-based resource management" or CBRM - can help ensure that projects are sustainable and meet local needs. But participation takes time - attending meetings and…
- by Sunil Chandrasiri
As anyone who has coughed their way through a traffic jam in a Southeast Asian city will tell you, urban traffic congestion is one of the region's major challenges. This study from Sri Lanka has focused on one key aspect of this problem - the health impacts of diesel vehicles…
- by Budi P. Resosudarmo
Throughout Asia, hazardous chemicals, mainly farm pesticides, are stockpiled in warehouses and factories, posing major safety and health hazards to residents. The problem has become so serious that it has been labeled a "toxic time bomb" by the Food and Agriculture Organization. One of the most important measures to reduce…
- by Bui Dung, Hong Bich Ngoc
One of the most difficult challenges facing developing countries is balancing the needs of rural people with the demands of nature conservation. All too often, conflicts occur because local needs are not taken into account in conservation planning. One of the more promising approaches to solving this problem involves paying…
- by Nguyen Van Song
Like many developing countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has experienced a significant increase in its electricity needs as it has developed. Since coal is a major source of energy in the country, this has led to a rise in coal mining and coal-powered electricity generation. This, in turn, has led…
- by Tran Dinh Thao
Soil loss is one of the most pressing and intractable environmental problems facing the developing countries of Southeast Asia. Now, however, new research from Vietnam has produced persuasive evidence that soil conservation makes economic sense for small scale hill farmers and that, with the right support and training, these farmers…
- by Varaporn Punyawadee, Ratana Phothisuwan, Numpet Winichaikule, Kanitta Satienperakul
Across Southeast Asia, there has been a massive increase in electricity consumption over the last decade. This trend looks set to continue as industry develops and the region's population rises. Although renewable sources of energy production such as wind and solar have a role in supplying the region's electricity, large-scale…