The Laos Mekong
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Northern Economic Corridor in the Lao People's
SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NORTHERN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR IN THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC August 2002 CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 18 July 2002) Currency Unit – Kip (KN) KN1.00 = $0.0000993 $1.00 = KN10,070 ABBREVIATIONS ADB – Asian Development Bank AP – affected person DOR – Department of Roads EIA – environmental impact assessment EIRR – economic internal rate of return EMP – Environment Management Plan HIV/AIDS – human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome Lao PDR – Lao People’s Democratic Republic MAF – Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MCTPC – Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post, and Construction NBCA – national biodiversity conservation area NPA – national protected area PRC – People’s Republic of China SEIA – summary environmental impact assessment STEA – Science, Technology and Environment Agency NOTE In this report, "$" refers to US dollars. CONTENTS Page MAP ii I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 2 A. Houayxay to Ban Nam Ngeun 2 B. Ban Nam Ngeun to the Louang Namtha Bypass 3 C. Southern End of Louang Namtha Bypass to Boten 3 III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 4 A. Physical Resources 4 B. Ecological Resources 4 C. Human and Economic Development 5 D. Quality of Life Values 6 IV. ALTERNATIVES 7 V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 8 A. Soil Erosion 8 B. Loss of Vegetation and Habitat 9 C. Impacts on Wildlife 9 D. Impacts on Wildlife Through Increased Pressure from Illegal Trade 9 E. Overexploitation of Forest Resources Through Unsustainable Logging 9 F. Dust and Air Pollution 10 G. Noise 10 H. Loss of Agricultural Land 10 I. Encroachment on Irrigation Structures 11 J. -
Laos Malaria General Malaria Information: Predominantly P
Laos Malaria General malaria information: predominantly P. falciparum. Transmission occurs throughout the year and is highest from May through October. Human P. knowlesi infection has been reported but is rare in travelers. Issues to Consider Factors favoring chemoprophylaxis Location-specific recommendations: • Adventure travel Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers: throughout the southern half of the country; most lowland areas in the • Risk-averse and vulnerable travelers northern half of the country; all cities and towns within these areas. • Areas subject to infrequent epidemics Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for certain travelers (see Issues to Consider box): all other areas not mentioned above • Immigrants visiting friends and relatives except Vientiane Prefecture and the central urban areas of Luang Prabang and Xam Neua. • Flexible itineraries Insect precautions only are recommended (negligible transmission reported): rural areas of Vientiane Prefecture; the central • Travel longer than 1 month urban areas of Luang Prabang and Xam Neua. • Unreliable medical expertise and/or treatment drugs at destination No preventive measures are necessary (no evidence of transmission exists): the city of Vientiane. Factors against chemoprophylaxis Preventive measures: Evening and nighttime insect precautions are essential in areas with any level of transmission. • Air-conditioned hotels only Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone or generic) and doxycycline are protective in this country. • Urban areas only • Non-transmission season • Minimal -
Case of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
sustainability Article Impact of Tourism Growth on the Changing Landscape of a World Heritage Site: Case of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Ceelia Leong 1,*, Jun-ichi Takada 2, Shinya Hanaoka 2 and Shinobu Yamaguchi 3 1 Department of International Development Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan 2 Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan; [email protected] (J.-i.T.); [email protected] (S.H.) 3 Global Scientific and Computing Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +81-3-5734-3282 Received: 2 October 2017; Accepted: 27 October 2017; Published: 1 November 2017 Abstract: Rapid tourism development adversely impacts and negatively transforms World Heritage Sites. This study aimed at examining how tourism growth has impacted the built environment of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR through an empirical approach. Luang Prabang has received a critical warning from World Heritage Committee for the escalating development pressure on its vulnerable landscape. Hence, this study examined two aspects: (1) the spatial pattern of the increase of touristic usage; and (2) the relation between the increase of touristic usage and the significant changes in the built environment. For this, geographical information systems (GIS) are combined with statistical methods such as logistic regression and chi-square test of independence. The results affirmed that the change from other types of usage to touristic usage in existing buildings has a higher chance to occur along riverbank areas than in the middle of the peninsula in the core heritage area. -
Highlights of Laos Go Beyond Tour │Physical Level 2 Bangkok - Luang Prabang - Phonsavan - Vang Vieng - Vientiane - Khong Island - Pakse
Highlights of Laos Go Beyond Tour │Physical Level 2 Bangkok - Luang Prabang - Phonsavan - Vang Vieng - Vientiane - Khong Island - Pakse An introduction to the pristine beauty of Laos, this 2-week journey ticks off all of the top sights, such as Luang Prabang, Plain of Jars and 4,000 Islands, as well as visiting little-explored villages to meet the friendly, local communities. • Get spiritual in Luang Prabang • Observe the monks for Takbat • Admire the mystical Kuangsi waterfalls • Wonder at the Plain of Jars • Discover scenic Vang Vieng • Stroll through quaint Vientiane • Unwind at the 4000 islands Visit wendywutours.co.nz Call 0800 936 3998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant Highlights of Laos tour inclusions: ▪ Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected) ▪ All accommodation ▪ Meals as stated on your itinerary ▪ All sightseeing and entrance fees ▪ All transportation and transfers ▪ English speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) or Local Guides ▪ Visa fees for New Zealand passport holders ▪ Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants ▪ Comprehensive travel guides The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, tipping, early check in or late checkout and other items not specified on the itinerary. Go Beyond Tours: Venture off the beaten track to explore fascinating destinations away from the tourist trail. You will discover the local culture in depth and see sights rarely witnessed by other travellers. These tours take you away from the comforts of home but will reward you with the experiences of a lifetime. -
THE PRECARIOUS STATUS of the WHITE-HANDED GIBBON Hylobates Lar in LAO PDR Ramesh Boonratana1*, J.W
13 Asian Primates Journal 2(1), 2011 THE PRECARIOUS STATUS OF THE WHITE-HANDED GIBBON Hylobates lar IN LAO PDR Ramesh Boonratana1*, J.W. Duckworth2, Phaivanh Phiapalath3, Jean-Francois Reumaux4, and Chaynoy Sisomphane5 1 Mahidol University International College, Mahidol University, 999 Buddhamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand. E-mail: [email protected] 2 PO Box 5573, Vientiane, Lao PDR. E-mail: [email protected] 3 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Ban Watchan, Fa Ngum Road, PO Box 4340, Vientiane, Lao PDR. E-mail: [email protected] 4 PO Box 400, Houayxay, Bokeo, Lao PDR. E-mail: [email protected] 5 Wildlife Section, Division of Forest Resource Conservation, Department of Forestry, Thatdam Road, PO Box 2932, Vientiane, Lao PDR. E-mail: [email protected] * Corresponding author ABSTRACT The White-handed Gibbon Hylobates lar is restricted within Lao PDR to the small portion of the north of the country that lies west of the Mekong River. The evidence-base includes one historical specimen of imprecise provenance, recent records of a few captives (of unknown origin), and a few recent field records. Only one national protected area (NPA), Nam Pouy NPA, lies within its Lao range, and the populations of the species now seem to be small and fragmented. Habitat degradation, conversion and fragmentation, and hunting, are all heavy in recently-surveyed areas, including the NPA. Without specific attention, national extinction is very likely, although the precise level of threat is unclear because so little information is available on its current status in the country. Keywords: conservation, distribution, geographic range, Mekong, threat status INTRODUCTION Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR; Laos) (e.g. -
Urbanization Processes in the Lao PDR
Urbanization processes in the Lao PDR Processes, challenges and opportunities Final report, 19.11.2018 Prepared by the Centre for Development and Environment University of Bern, Switzerland Commissioned by and submitted to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC Urbanization processes in the Lao PDR Processes, challenges and opportunities The analysis and report were prepared in March and April 2018, with final revisions in November 2018, by Michael Epprecht, Nicholas Bosoni, and Daniel Hayward Centre for Development and Environment Country Office in the Lao PDR Simuang, Vientiane, Lao PDR Cover page photo (by Michael Epprecht, March 2018): That Luang marsh in the suburbs of Vientiane Capital City. The marsh is a large Chinese SEZ. The marsh lands were used for fishing, aquaculture, and some rice paddies, typically by poorer segments of the suburban population. Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 List of abbreviations 4 0. Executive summary by SDC 6 1. Introduction 9 2. Patterns and trends of urbanization in the Lao PDR 10 2.1. Main characteristics of urban areas and urban growth 10 2.1.1. Definition and categorization of towns and urban areas 10 2.1.2. Regional context 11 2.1.3. Urbanization and urban growth in the Lao PDR 11 2.1.4. Migration 13 2.1.5. Labor market 14 2.1.6. Poverty 14 2.1.7. Inequality 15 2.2. Projections of urban development in the Lao PDR 16 2.2.1. Overall trends of urban growth 16 2.2.2. Vientiane Capital 16 2.2.3. Large provincial towns 16 2.2.4. -
The Loss of the Ou River by Saimok
The Loss of the Ou River By Saimok “Talaeng taeng talam bam!” Sounds of warning: “I am coming to get you!” Khmu children play hide and seek along the banks of the Ou River in North- ern Laos. Ngoi district, Luangprabang province. November 2019. photo by author The Loss of 2 the Ou River The first time I saw the Ou River I was mesmer- Arriving in the northern province of Phongsa- ized by its beauty: the high karst mountains, the ly province by truck, I was surprised that this dense jungle, the structure of the river and the remote corner of the land of a million elephants flow of its waters. The majority of the people felt like a new province of China. Chinese lux- along the Ou River are Khmu, like me. We under- ury cars sped along the bumpy road, posing a stand one another. Our Khmu people belong to danger to the children playing along the dusty specific clans, and my Sim Oam family name en- roadside. In nearly every village I passed, the sures the protection and care of each Sim Oam newer concrete homes featured tiles bearing clan member I meet along my journey. Mao Zedong’s image. “I’ve seen this image in many homes in this area. May I ask who he is?” I Sim Oam is similar to a kingfisher, and as mem- asked the village leader at a local truck stop. bers of the Sim Oam clan, we must protect this animal, and not hunt it. If a member of our clan breaks the taboo and hunts a sim oam, his teeth will fall out and his eyesight will become cloudy. -
Study of the Provincial Context in Oudomxay 1
RESIREA – Study of Oudomxay provincial context Study of the provincial context in Oudomxay 1 – Geography and demography Oudomxay province is a province in the north of Laos, covering an area of 15,370 km2 about 85% of which is mountainous. Oudomxay is divided in 7 districts, with totally 584 villages, 42 419 families which means 263 000 people. The villages are relatively small and mainly concentrated along the roads. The population density is quite low (17 people per km2). The exact localization of the villages was quite difficult, and has been done by crossing different sources of information. The province borders China and Phongsaly province to the north, Luang Namtha and Bokeo province to the west, Xayaboury province to the south and Luang Prabang to the east. Although Oudomxay has only a short international border with China, it is a transit point between China, Vietnam and Thailand, with a large flow of products. Yet, only 66% of the households have a road access in comparison to the northern regional average of 75% and national average of 83%. 14 ethnic groups are present in the province, 85% are Khmu (who are generally included in Lao Theung ethnic group) and Lao Loum are in minority. MEM Lao PDR RESIREA – Study of Oudomxay provincial context 2- Agriculture and local development The main agricultural crop practiced in Oudomxay provinces is corn, especially located in Houn district. Oudomxay is the second province in terms of corn production: 84 900 tons in 2006, for an area of 20 935 ha. These figures have increased a lot within the last few years. -
Public Green Spaces and Parks for Tourists and Citizens in Luang Prabang, Laos
Welcome to Luang Prabang World Heritage Town Public Green Spaces and Parks for Tourists and Citizens in Luang Prabang, Laos Prepared by: Urban Development and Administration Authority (UDAA), Luang Prabang, Laos 1 Luang Prabang World Heritage Site Mekong River Namkhan River 2 The Existing of Public Green Spaces and Parks for Tourists and Citizens Prepared by: Urban Development and Administration Authority (UDAA), Luang Prabang, Laos 3 Master Plan of Heritage Preservation and Development (PSMV), 2001 Green areas along mountains Phousi Mount Green areas along wetlands Green areas along river banks 4 Master Plan of Buffer Zone, 2012 Green areas of mountains around city Green areas of agricultural fields 5 Design and Maintenance and Challenges faced regarding Public Green Spaces and Parks for Tourists and Citizens Prepared by: Urban Development and Administration Authority (UDAA), Luang Prabang, Laos 6 Green Spaces in the City Luang Prabang World Heritage Site Protection and Preservation Zones Road-junctions & Parks Small Public Park . Green area along mountains Small Public Park . Green area along rivers . Green area along wetlands Temples & Trees 7 ASEAN ESC Model Cities Programme Activities Wastewater • Master plan for Urban Drainage and Sewerage System in Luang Prabang Municipality Year 2012-2037, funded by French Agency for Development (AFD). • Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Solutions Completed and (DEWATS), 2014/15, funded by Institute for Global implementing Environmental Strategies (IGES). DEWATS Solid waste • LPPE project for : On-site composting activity, Eco- Basket activity, and 3Rs activity. Funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Completed and operating 8 Problems and Challenges faced Finance • Limitation of finance for construction/improvement work • Lack of cost for operation /maintenance work • Lack of sustainability of the invested protects Wetlands • Maintenance (protection) of wetlands/ponds is the most challenge faced in maintain green spaces. -
Destinations Luang Say Mekong Cruise 3 Days
BestPrice Travel., JSC Address: 12A, Ba Trieu Alley, Ba Trieu Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam Email: [email protected] Tel: +84 436-249-007 Fax: +84 436-249-007 Website: https://bestpricevn.com Tour Luang Say Mekong Cruise 3 days Itinerary Itinerary Overview Includes & Excludes Detail Itinerary I. Itinerary Overview Date Activities Accommodations Meals DOWN RIVER : Houei Sai -> Luang Prabang Day 1 HUAY XAI > VILLAGE > PAKBENG Luang Say Lodge L, D Day 2 PAKBENG > BAW VILLAGE > KAMU LODGE Kamu Lodge Lodge B, L, D Day 3 KAMU LODGE > PAK OU > LUANG PRABANG B, L UP RIVER: Luang Prabang -> Houei Sai Day 3 LUANG PRABANG > PAK OU > KAMU LODGE Kamu Lodge L, D Day 2 KAMU LODGE > BAW VILLAGE > LUANG SAY LODGE B, L, D Day 3 PAKBENG > VILLAGE > HUAY XAI B, L II. Includes & Excludes Includes -Transfer from Laos’s immigration to the pier in Houayxay or v.v. - 2 days cruise with stops and visits en route - 1 night accommodation at the Luang Say Lodge - Meal plan as mentioned in the program - ( 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 2 breakfasts ) - Coffee, tea & drinking water on board and during meals. - Admission fee at visiting points as mentioned in the program. - Services of qualified crews during the cruise Excludes - Transfer from/to hotel to pier in Luang Prabang - Shuttle boats to Chiang Khong / Houayxayor Houayxay / Chiang Khong - Immigration fees in Houayxay - Soft and Alcoholic Drinks during the trip. - visa approval and fees for Laos - Services in Luang Prabang - Personal insurance - Other personal expenses III. Detail Itinerary DOWN RIVER : Houei Sai -> Luang Prabang Day 1 HUAY XAI > VILLAGE > PAKBENG The Luang Say riverboat leaves Houai Xay pier at 09h30am(please be at Luang Say Houei Sai office not later than at 8.30am) for cruising down the Mekong River to Luang Say Lodge in Pakbeng. -
Sin City: Illegal Wildlife Trade in Laos' Special Economic Zone
SIN CITY Illegal wildlife trade in Laos’ Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONTENTS This report was written by the Environmental Investigation Agency. 2 INTRODUCTION Special thanks to Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV), the Rufford Foundation, Ernest Kleinwort 3 PROFILE OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE SPECIAL Charitable Trust, Save Wild Tigers and Michael Vickers. ECONOMIC ZONE & KINGS ROMANS GROUP Report design by: 5 WILDLIFE TRADE AT THE GT SEZ www.designsolutions.me.uk March 2015 7 REGIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME HOTSPOTS All images © EIA/ENV unless otherwise stated. 9 ILLEGAL WILDLIFE SUPERMARKET 11 LAWLESSNESS IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE 13 WILDLIFE CLEARING HOUSE: LAOS’ ROLE IN REGIONAL AND GLOBAL WILDLIFE TRADE 16 CORRUPTION & A LACK OF CAPACITY 17 DEMAND DRIVERS OF TIGER TRADE IN LAOS 19 CONCLUSIONS 20 RECOMMENDATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (EIA) 62/63 Upper Street, London N1 0NY, UK Tel: +44 (0) 20 7354 7960 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7354 7961 email: [email protected] www.eia-international.org EIA US P.O.Box 53343 Washington DC 20009 USA Tel: +1 202 483 6621 Fax: +202 986 8626 email: [email protected] COVER IMAGE: © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com 1 INTRODUCTION This report takes a journey to a dark corner of north-west Lao PDR (hereafter referred to as Laos), in the heart of the Golden Triangle in South-East Asia. The Environmental Investigation While Laos’ wildlife laws are weak, there The blatant illegal wildlife trade by Agency (EIA) and Education for Nature is not even a pretence of enforcement in Chinese companies in this part of Laos Vietnam (ENV) have documented how the GT SEZ. -
Directory of Development Organizations
EDITION 2007 VOLUME II.A / ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST DIRECTORY OF DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, GOVERNMENTS, PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES, CIVIL SOCIETY, UNIVERSITIES, GRANTMAKERS, BANKS, MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING FIRMS Resource Guide to Development Organizations and the Internet Introduction Welcome to the directory of development organizations 2007, Volume II: Asia and the Middle East The directory of development organizations, listing 51.500 development organizations, has been prepared to facilitate international cooperation and knowledge sharing in development work, both among civil society organizations, research institutions, governments and the private sector. The directory aims to promote interaction and active partnerships among key development organisations in civil society, including NGOs, trade unions, faith-based organizations, indigenous peoples movements, foundations and research centres. In creating opportunities for dialogue with governments and private sector, civil society organizations are helping to amplify the voices of the poorest people in the decisions that affect their lives, improve development effectiveness and sustainability and hold governments and policymakers publicly accountable. In particular, the directory is intended to provide a comprehensive source of reference for development practitioners, researchers, donor employees, and policymakers who are committed to good governance, sustainable development and poverty reduction, through: the