SOUTH EAST ASIA DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (SEA DRM) PROJECT for LAO PDR Project ID No: P170945

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

SOUTH EAST ASIA DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (SEA DRM) PROJECT for LAO PDR Project ID No: P170945 SOUTH EAST ASIA DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (SEA DRM) PROJECT FOR LAO PDR Project ID No: P170945 Component 1: Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management In Muang Xay, Oudomxay (ODX) Province Final Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan 1 (ARAP1) Volume 1 Main Report Prepared by: DEPARTMENT OF WATERWAYS MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORT VIENTIANE, LAO PDR November, 2020 Lao PDR South East Asia Disaster Risk Management Project Component 1: Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management in Muang Xay, Oudomxay (ODX) Province Table of Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms .......................................................................................................... i Definitions and Terms ................................................................................................................... iv Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 1 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Purpose of this document ........................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Project Information .................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Project Proponent ....................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Project Objectives and Outcomes ............................................................................................... 3 2 Description of Component 1 .................................................................................................. 4 2.1 Project Location ......................................................................................................................... 4 2.2 Sub-project Design and Area of Influence ................................................................................. 6 3 Potential Impacts Identified ................................................................................................... 9 3.1 General Impacts ......................................................................................................................... 9 3.2 Land and Displacement Impacts .............................................................................................. 10 3.3 Inventory of Loss ..................................................................................................................... 11 3.4 Affected Communal Infrastructures ......................................................................................... 13 3.5 Gender Considerations ............................................................................................................. 14 4 Socio-economic Census Data of Affected Village and Households ................................... 14 4.1 Population and Households in the Affected Village ................................................................. 14 4.2 Ethnic Groups .......................................................................................................................... 15 4.3 Religions .................................................................................................................................. 16 4.4 Infrastructures and Facilities .................................................................................................... 16 4.5 School Facility and Health Centers .......................................................................................... 19 4.6 Education ................................................................................................................................. 19 4.7 Disease and Treatment Practices .............................................................................................. 20 4.8 Employments and Incomes ...................................................................................................... 20 4.9 Labour Migration ..................................................................................................................... 20 4.10 Land Use .................................................................................................................................. 20 4.11 Cultural and Historical Infrastructure ....................................................................................... 21 4.12 UXO Risk ................................................................................................................................ 21 4.13 Poverty Groups ........................................................................................................................ 22 4.14 Vulnerability Groups (VG) ...................................................................................................... 22 5 Legal Framework ................................................................................................................. 22 5.1 Objectives of Compensation Policy ......................................................................................... 22 5.2 Policy, Legal, and Institutional Settings for Compensation ...................................................... 23 5.2.1 National Legal and Regulatory Framework ...................................................................................... 23 5.2.2 World Bank Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) ........................................................ 25 5.2.3 Key Differences in Lao PDR Law and World Bank Policies on Involuntary Resettlement ............... 26 6 Institutional Framework ...................................................................................................... 31 7 Resettlement Strategy and Eligibility ................................................................................... 33 7.1 Key Principles .......................................................................................................................... 33 7.1.1 Cash Compensation Approach ......................................................................................................... 34 7.1.2 House and Asset Relocation ............................................................................................................. 34 7.1.3 Additional Livelihood Restoration Measures.................................................................................... 35 7.1.4 Compensation Principles .................................................................................................................. 35 7.2 Compensation Categories ......................................................................................................... 36 7.2.1 Permanent Loss................................................................................................................................ 36 7.2.2 Temporary Loss ............................................................................................................................... 36 7.2.3 Temporary Disturbance .................................................................................................................... 37 7.3 Eligibility Policy ...................................................................................................................... 37 7.3.1 Categories of Displaced Persons ...................................................................................................... 37 7.3.2 Displaced Persons Eligibility Criteria ............................................................................................... 38 7.3.3 Eligibility Cut-Off Date ................................................................................................................... 39 Lot 1 Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan, November 2020 Page i/86 Lao PDR South East Asia Disaster Risk Management Project Component 1: Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management in Muang Xay, Oudomxay (ODX) Province 7.4 Entitlements ............................................................................................................................. 40 7.4.1 Rates for Compensation ................................................................................................................... 41 7.4.2 Compensation Matrix ....................................................................................................................... 42 7.5 Resettlement Measures............................................................................................................. 45 7.6 Site Selection, Site Preparation, and Relocation....................................................................... 46 7.7 Housing, Infrastructure, and Social Services ............................................................................ 47 7.8 Livelihood Restoration Measures ............................................................................................. 47 8 Organization and Implementation Structure ...................................................................... 48 8.1 Government Agencies .............................................................................................................. 48 8.2 Provincial Resettlement Committee (PRC) .............................................................................. 49 8.3 District Resettlement Committee ............................................................................................. 50 8.4 Measures for Organizational Capacity Building .....................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Mekong River Integrated Management Project 2
    The Progress of EST in Lao PDR Lao Delegation Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR 5th EST Forum, Bangkok, Thailand 23 Aug 2010 Contents 1. EST Strategy & Action Plan 2. Introduction of Projects under EST 3. Future Plans… (1) EST Strategy & Action Plan (1) EST Strategy & Action Plan Completed the FINAL Draft Being reviewed by the Science & Technology Council To be submitted to the Government for Endorsement (2) Introduction to Projects under EST (2) Introduction to Projects under EST 1. Ambient Air Quality Monitoring and Management 2. Vehicle Emission Control 3. Inspection and Maintenance of Vehicle 4. Regulation of Fuel Quality and Standard 5. Transport Planning and Travel Demand Management 6. Standard and Weight Control 7. Environmentally and People Friendly Urban Transport 8. Infrastructure Development 9. Traffic Noise Monitoring 10. Information and Public Awareness 11. Gender and Transportation Project Description 1. Name: Mekong River Integrated Management Project 2. Purpose: Part of Vientiane 450th Anniversary Celebration 6 SORs 1). Sagob (Safe/Security) 2) Sa-ad (Clean) 3) Si Khio (Green) 4) Savang (Lighting) 5) Sivilay (Civilization) 6) Sanae (Charming) 3. Budget: nearly 50 MIL USD 4. Completion Date: 2013 (Chao Anouvong Park Oct 2010) MEKONG RIVER INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PROJECT Riverbank Protection Vientiane, Lao PDR L = 12.4km Wattay Airport Kaoliao Port Wattay Existing Port MRC Riverside Park Improvement A = 14.5ha Stage 2 (L=8.4km) (Nov. 2010 ~ Jul. 2013) Riverside Road L = 3.0km Thailand Stage 1 (L=4.0km) (Feb.
    [Show full text]
  • Special Issue 2, August 2015
    Special Issue 2, August 2015 Published by the Center for Lao Studies ISSN: 2159-2152 www.laostudies.org ______________________ Special Issue 2, August 2015 Information and Announcements i-ii Introducing a Second Collection of Papers from the Fourth International 1-5 Conference on Lao Studies. IAN G. BAIRD and CHRISTINE ELLIOTT Social Cohesion under the Aegis of Reciprocity: Ritual Activity and Household 6-33 Interdependence among the Kim Mun (Lanten-Yao) in Laos. JACOB CAWTHORNE The Ongoing Invention of a Multi-Ethnic Heritage in Laos. 34-53 YVES GOUDINEAU An Ethnohistory of Highland Societies in Northern Laos. 54-76 VANINA BOUTÉ Wat Tham Krabok Hmong and the Libertarian Moment. 77-96 DAVID M. CHAMBERS The Story of Lao r: Filling in the Gaps. 97-109 GARRY W. DAVIS Lao Khrang and Luang Phrabang Lao: A Comparison of Tonal Systems and 110-143 Foreign-Accent Rating by Luang Phrabang Judges. VARISA OSATANANDA Phuan in Banteay Meancheay Province, Cambodia: Resettlement under the 144-166 Reign of King Rama III of Siam THANANAN TRONGDEE The Journal of Lao Studies is published twice per year by the Center for Lao Studies, 65 Ninth Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA. For more information, see the CLS website at www.laostudies.org. Please direct inquiries to [email protected]. ISSN : 2159-2152 Books for review should be sent to: Justin McDaniel, JLS Editor 223 Claudia Cohen Hall 249 S. 36th Street University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104 Copying and Permissions Notice: This journal provides open access to content contained in every issue except the current issue, which is open to members of the Center for Lao Studies.
    [Show full text]
  • Pasáson Bandá Phao – „Kmenový Lid“
    Laos patří mezi etnicky nejrozmanitější stá- ty na světě. Zhruba polovinu jeho obyvatel tvoří etnická majorita, Laové, zbytek je slo- žen z příslušníků desítek značně rozdílných etnických skupin. Význačnou část z nich tvoří tzv. horská etnika, v Laosu nazývaná pasáson bandá phao – „kmenový lid“. Ten vždy hrál důležitou roli v laoských společenských procesech. Horská etnika měla specifické postavení již v ekonomice a společnosti tradičních laoských knížectví, müangů, a v království „Milionů slonů“, Lan Sángu (1353–1707). Francouzská koloniální politika (1893–1954) se vůči těmto etnikům vyznačovala nezájmem a exploatač- ními strategiemi, jež vedly k jejich povstáním, spojeným s fenoménem mileniál- ních hnutí. Během 2. světové války a 1. války v Indočíně (1946–1954) Francouzi začali zařazovat horaly do paravojenských jednotek komandos. Zrodilo se rovněž moderní nacionalistické a levicové hnutí. V období královské vlády (1954–1973) prováděli jak Američané, tak komunisté z organizace Pathét Láo mobilizaci hora- LAOSU V STÁT ORSKÁ ETNIKA A H lů pro „tajnou válku v Laosu“. Těmito událostmi byla tragicky zasažena zejména etnická skupina Hmongů. Po nástupu komunistů k moci v roce 1975 vyvolala tvrdá politika laoské vlády sociální a hospodářskou krizi, která měla na život horalů tíživý dopad. Mnoho jich emigrovalo, v zemi operovaly protivládní partyzánské skupiny. Po odstartování vlny reforem ťin tanakán maj („nového myšlení“) v roce 1986 se hlavními tématy národnostní politiky laoské vlády staly likvidace ozbrojené opo- zice, přesídlování příslušníků horských etnik do nížiny, industrializace, omezová- ní kopaničářského zemědělství a produkce opia. Tyto projekty jsou nezřídka slabě zabezpečeny a vedou k destrukci tradičních komunit horalů. V horách se objevují antisociální jevy jako prostituce, obchod s lidmi, zneužívání drog.
    [Show full text]
  • Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project
    Initial Environmental Examination August 2014 LAO: Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project Prepared by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for the Asian Development Bank This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 15 July 2014) Currency unit kip (KN) KN1.00 = $0.000124 $1.00 = KN8,047.00 ABBREVIATIONS ADB – Asian Development Bank ADB SPS – ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 AP – affected people BRT – bus rapid transit BTEX – benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes dB(a) – A-weighted sound scale DDIS – detailed design and implementation consultant DESIA – Department of Environment and Social Impact Assessment of MONRE EA – executing agency ECC – environmental compliance certificate EIA – environmental impact assessment EHSO – environment, health and safety officer EMP – environmental management plan GRM – grievance redress mechanism IA – implementing agency IEE – initial environmental examination IMMC – Institute of Mass and Media and Culture L – length Lao PDR – Lao People’s Democratic Republic m – meter m2 – square meter mg/m3 – milligram per cubic meter MONRE – Ministry of National Resources and Environment (formerly WREA) MPWT – Ministry of Public Works and Transport NESDP – National Economic and Social Development Plan NMT – non-motorized transport
    [Show full text]
  • Preliminary Gibbon Status Review for Lao PDR 2008
    Preliminary Gibbon Status Review for Lao PDR 2008 J.W. Duckworth December 2008 This work was carried out with funding from the Arcus Foundation. Preliminary gibbon status review for Lao PDR 2008 This review is a work in progress for the conservation of gibbons in Lao PDR. It is intended to be updated periodically. Any comment on this document, including further records, would be gratefully received by the author and by Fauna & Flora International, at the addresses below. Citation: J. W. Duckworth, 2008, Preliminary gibbon status review for Lao PDR 2008, Fauna & Flora International, Unpublished report. Author: J. W. Duckworth, PO Box 5773, Vientiane, Lao PDR Email: [email protected] Date: December 2008 For more information or to send further comments contact: Paul Insua-Cao Fauna & Flora Asia-Pacific Programme, 340 Nghi Tam, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: +84-(0)43-719 4117 Fax: +84-(0)43-719 4119 Email: [email protected] Front cover photo of a captive young yellow-cheeked crested gibbon by Monty Sly. All views expressed within are the author’s alone unless attributed otherwise and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Fauna & Flora International. While the authors and editors strive for rigour and accuracy in presenting this report, Fauna & Flora International make no representations as to completeness, suitability or validity of any information contained, and will not be liable for any errors or omissions. The editors and Fauna & Flora International take no responsibility for any misrepresentation of material resulting from translation of this report into any other language. Reproduction of any part of this report for educational, conservation and other non-profit purposes is authorised without prior permission from the copyright holder, provided that the source is fully acknowledged.
    [Show full text]
  • 05 Chalong 111-28 111 2/25/04, 1:54 PM CHALONG SOONTRAVANICH
    CONTESTING VISIONS OF THE LAO PAST i 00 Prelims i-xxix 1 2/25/04, 4:48 PM NORDIC INSTITUTE OF ASIAN STUDIES NIAS Studies in Asian Topics 15. Renegotiating Local Values Merete Lie and Ragnhild Lund 16. Leadership on Java Hans Antlöv and Sven Cederroth (eds) 17. Vietnam in a Changing World Irene Nørlund, Carolyn Gates and Vu Cao Dam (eds) 18. Asian Perceptions of Nature Ole Bruun and Arne Kalland (eds) 19. Imperial Policy and Southeast Asian Nationalism Hans Antlöv and Stein Tønnesson (eds) 20. The Village Concept in the Transformation of Rural Southeast Asia Mason C. Hoadley and Christer Gunnarsson (eds) 21. Identity in Asian Literature Lisbeth Littrup (ed.) 22. Mongolia in Transition Ole Bruun and Ole Odgaard (eds) 23. Asian Forms of the Nation Stein Tønnesson and Hans Antlöv (eds) 24. The Eternal Storyteller Vibeke Børdahl (ed.) 25. Japanese Influences and Presences in Asia Marie Söderberg and Ian Reader (eds) 26. Muslim Diversity Leif Manger (ed.) 27. Women and Households in Indonesia Juliette Koning, Marleen Nolten, Janet Rodenburg and Ratna Saptari (eds) 28. The House in Southeast Asia Stephen Sparkes and Signe Howell (eds) 29. Rethinking Development in East Asia Pietro P. Masina (ed.) 30. Coming of Age in South and Southeast Asia Lenore Manderson and Pranee Liamputtong (eds) 31. Imperial Japan and National Identities in Asia, 1895–1945 Li Narangoa and Robert Cribb (eds) 32. Contesting Visions of the Lao Past Christopher E. Goscha and Søren Ivarsson (eds) ii 00 Prelims i-xxix 2 2/25/04, 4:48 PM CONTESTING VISIONS OF THE LAO PAST LAO HISTORIOGRAPHY AT THE CROSSROADS EDITED BY CHRISTOPHER E.
    [Show full text]
  • The Development of the Southeast Asian-Chinese Border Zone
    The Development of the Southeast Asian Border Zone A Social Theory Inaugural-Dissertation zur Erlangung der Doktorwürde der Philosophischen Fakultät der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität zu Bonn vorgelegt von Florian Anderhuber aus Graz Bonn, 2019 Gedruckt mit der Genehmigung der Philosophischen Fakultät der Rheinischen Friedrich- Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Zusammensetzung der Prüfungskommission: Prof. Dr. Stephan Conermann, Institut für Orient- und Asienwissenschaften (Vorsitzende/Vorsitzender) Prof. Dr. Christoph Antweiler, Institut für Orient- und Asienwissenschaften (Betreuerin/Betreuer und Gutachterin/Gutachter) Prof. Dr. Dr. Manfred Hutter, Institut für Orient- und Asienwissenschaften (Gutachterin/Gutachter) Prof. Dr.Ralph Kauz, Institut für Orient- und Asienwissenschaften (weiteres prüfungsberechtigtes Mitglied) Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: 30.10.2019 Table of contents I. Theoretical background………………………………………………………………………… 7 1. Introduction and questions………………………………………………………….………….7 1.1. Terminology…………………………………………………………………….……….11 1.2. Theoretical background…………………………………………………………...……..12 1.2.1. The state of border studies…………………………………………………...…...12 1.2.1.1. Basic constructivism and spatial dimensions in border studies……..........13 1.2.1.2. Temporal dimension of border studies……………………………….......20 1.2.1.3. Criteria of demarcating space…………………………………………….23 1.2.2. Considerations of the role of the state……………………………………………27 1.2.3. The nexus between social and state borders……………………………….……..29 1.2.4. Borders as result of state-formation and territorialization………………………..32 1.2.5. State-sanctioned performance of otherness…………………………………........36 1.3. States and borders as social actions……………………………………………………...38 1.4. Agency of borders…………………………………………………………………….…39 1.5. Integrating borderlands: state-action within the national and international system……..44 1.6. The nexus of border-creation and institutionalization………………………..………….48 1.7. The case for Southeast-Asian – Chinese borderlands: a global perspective………...…..51 1.7.1.
    [Show full text]
  • Opium Poppy Cultivation in the Golden Triangle Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand October 2006
    Central Committee for Drug Lao National Commission for Drug Office of the Narcotics Abuse Control Control and Supervision Control Board Opium Poppy Cultivation in the Golden Triangle Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand October 2006 CONTENTS PREFACE........................................................................................................................................3 FACT SHEET - GOLDEN TRIANGLE OPIUM SURVEYS 2006 ...........................................5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................7 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................19 COPING WITH CHANGE IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE - THE IMPACT OF OPIUM POPPY ELIMINATION ON RURAL LIVELIHOODS...........................................................21 METHODOLOGY AND DATA SOURCES ....................................................................................22 CHANGES SINCE OPIUM REDUCTION.......................................................................................24 VULNERABILITIES: HOUSEHOLDS AT HIGH RISK OF POVERTY .......................................27 COPING STRATEGIES: HOW UPLAND FARMERS MAKE A LIVING IN THE POST-OPIUM POPPY ENVIRONMENT.................................................................................................................30 TARGETING VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS..............................................................................33 FUTURE RISKS AND CHALLENGES
    [Show full text]
  • Observations of the Illegal Pangolin Trade in Lao PDR I TRAFFIC REPORT
    TRAFFIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE ILLEGAL REPORT PANGOLIN TRADE IN LAO PDR SEPTEMBER 2016 Lalita Gomez, Boyd T.C. Leupen and Sarah Heinrich TRAFFIC Report: Observations of the illegal pangolin trade in Lao PDR i TRAFFIC REPORT TRAFFIC, the wild life trade monitoring net work, is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. TRAFFIC is a strategic alliance of WWF and IUCN. This publication was made possible through the support provided by the Office of Forestry and Biodiversity, Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment, U.S. Agency for International Development, under the terms of award number AID-AID-EGEE-IO-13-00002. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Reprod uction of material appearing in this report requires written permission from the publisher. The designations of geographical entities in this publication, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of TRAFFIC or its supporting o rganizations con cernin g the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views of the authors expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of TRAFFIC, WWF or IUCN. Published by TRAFFIC. Southeast Asia Regional Office Unit 3-2, 1st Floor, Jalan SS23/11 Taman SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia Telephone : (603) 7880 3940 Fax : (603) 7882 0171 Copyright of material published in this report is vested in TRAFFIC.
    [Show full text]
  • District Population Projections
    Ministry of Planning and Investment Lao Statistics Bureau District Population Projections Supported By: United Nations Population Fund Vientiane Capital, September 2019 District Population Projections Committees 2015-2035 Steering Committee 1. Mr Samaichan Boupha, Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment 2. Ms Phonesaly Souksavath, Deputy Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau Technical Committee 1. Ms Thilakha Chanthalanouvong, General Director of Social Statistics Department, Lao Statistics Bureau 2. Ms Phoungmala Lasasy, Deputy Head of Register Statistics Division, Social Statistics Department Projection Committee 1. Mr Bounpan Inthavongthong, Technical Staff, Register Statistics Division, Social Statistics Department Supported By: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) District Population Projections 2015-2035 I Forward Population projections are extremely important for effective management and administration of population growth and related demographic issues. If population projections are as accurate as possible, the government and policy makers will be informed to formulate policies and develop plans with greater precision in order to provide necessary and effective population services such as social services and social welfare. Due to this importance and necessity the Lao Statistics Bureau, under the Ministry of Planning and Investment has conducted this population projection by using the baseline data from the fourth Population and Housing Census in 2015. Population projections demonstrate a calculation of the population’s size and characteristics in the future. It is not possible to guarantee one hundred percent accurate estimations, even if the best available methodology was utilized in the estimation. Therefore, it is necessary for Lao Statistics Bureau to improve the population projections periodically in order to obtain a more accurate picture of the population in the future, which is estimated using data from several surveys such as Lao Social Indicator Survey and other surveys.
    [Show full text]
  • GMS Flood and Drought Risk Management and Mitigation Project
    Social Monitoring Report Project Number: 40190-023 Semi-Annual Report July 2020 Lao PDR: GMS Flood and Drought Risk Management and Mitigation Project Prepared by Department of Irrigation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Asian Development Bank. This social monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Department of Planning and Cooperation GMS: Flood and Drought Risk Management and Mitigation Project ADB-Grant No.0316-LAO (SF) Loan No. 2936-LAO (SF) FINAL Post-Resettlement Evaluation Report: External Safeguards Monitoring Report Submitted to the National Project Coordination Office 3 December 2019 Revised: July 2020 Anthony M. Zola International Social Safeguard and Resettlement External Monitoring Specialist 1 Table of contents Page List of acronyms and abbreviations 3 Executive Summary 4 1. Introduction 6 2. Findings of the Final External Safeguards Monitoring Report 10 3. Assessment of implementation of corrective action plans 12 4. Strengths and weaknesses of the PMU’s capacity to do Social 18 Safeguards and Requirements 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Rodent Outbreaks in the Uplands of Laos: Analysis of Historical Patterns and the Identity of Nuu Khii
    Rodent outbreaks in the uplands of Laos: analysis of historical patterns and the identity of nuu khii Bounneuang Douangboupha1,*, Ken P. Aplin2 and Grant R. Singleton2 1National Agricultural Research Center, National Agricultural and Forestry Research Institute, Vientiane, LAO PDR 2CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, GPO Box 284, Canberra, ACT 2601, AUSTRALIA *Corresponding author, email: [email protected] Abstract. Rodent outbreaks in the uplands of Lao PDR (Laos) are understood by traditional farmers to be triggered by the episodic and synchronised flowering and seeding of certain bamboo species. Historical data from 24 districts spread across four provinces indicate that these outbreaks have been a feature of the upland agricultural environment for at least 50 years. Although many outbreaks appear to be fairly local in scale, records from Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces appear to document at least one widespread and prolonged outbreak, over the period 1988–1993. Somewhat surprisingly, there is no suggestion that rodent ‘outbreaks’ have become more frequent in recent times, con- trary to widespread reports that the level of chronic rodent damage to crops has increased over the last decade. This apparent ‘uncoupling’ of trends in rodent outbreaks and agricultural crop losses adds weight to the traditional percep- tion that the outbreak events owe their origin to factors outside of the agricultural systems. A variety of rodent species are probably involved in the outbreak events. The identity of the ethnotaxon nuu khii, lit- erally the ‘rat of bamboo flowers’, remains somewhat enigmatic. In some areas nuu khii may refer to one or more spe- cies of primarily forest-dwelling rat.
    [Show full text]