Myanmar's Ethnic Groups Jointly Reject Military Rule

Myanmar's diverse ethnic groups have united in opposition to the February 1 military coup led by General Min Aung Hlaing, forming a significant civil disobedience movement. Despite past grievances with the National League for Democracy (NLD), ethnic political parties and armed groups are rejecting military rule and supporting efforts to topple the junta. The movement, bolstered by Generation Z's social media prowess, has shifted focus from restoring the NLD to advocating for a new democratic framework, challenging the military's influence entrenched in the 2008 constitution. The junta's attempts to divide ethnic groups have largely failed, with most ethnic parties refusing to cooperate, potentially rendering the country ungovernable.

Charting the Australia-China relationship in decline

Australian trust and warmth towards China have reached record lows, with views souring on almost every aspect of the relationship since 2017. The 2021 Lowy Institute Poll indicates a significant decline in trust in China to act responsibly in the world, with only 16% of Australians expressing trust. Economic coercion by China and concerns over military activities in the region have shifted public perception, with a majority now viewing China as a security threat rather than an economic partner. Despite this, Australians maintain positive views of Chinese people and culture. The majority blame China for the bilateral tensions, and while the Australian government's handling of the relationship receives a mediocre score, there is little indication of a change in public sentiment.

Myanmar’s High-Risk Election

Myanmar faces a high-risk election amid a second wave of COVID-19, with soaring infection rates and a public health system at breaking point. The National League for Democracy (NLD) government and the Union Election Commission (UEC) have imposed restrictions on election campaigning but have dismissed calls for postponement. Opposition parties and health experts have raised concerns about the wisdom of holding an election during a pandemic. Despite the risks, the NLD, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, is determined to proceed, prioritizing the election over the fight against COVID-19. The election's credibility is questioned due to the disenfranchisement of ethnic states, human rights issues, and the potential for post-election unrest if the results are not accepted as free and fair.

Mekong River’s declining fish species an ‘urgent wake-up call’ for action, conservationists say

Conservationists are urging immediate action to protect the Mekong River's biodiversity, which is threatened by extensive dam-building in China and Laos. The WWF-led report highlights the decline of 74 endangered fish species, including the critically endangered giant catfish and freshwater stingray. The economic impact is significant, affecting 40 million people reliant on the river's fisheries. The decline is attributed to 12 Chinese dams and two in Laos, including the Xayaburi dam, which have severely disrupted the ecosystem, leading to a drastic reduction in fish populations and impacting local communities.

Where Have All the Mekong River’s Fish Gone?

The Mekong River, once abundant with fish, is now facing a severe decline in fisheries due to the construction of hydropower dams. Research indicates that dams have a devastating impact on fish populations and biodiversity, challenging the Mekong River Commission's (MRC) promotion of sustainable hydropower. Despite evidence and expert criticism, the MRC continues to support hydropower projects, with fish ladder technology proving ineffective. The MRC's policies have been questioned for not adequately considering the economic and environmental costs of dam construction, which outweigh the benefits. Cambodia has diverged from the MRC's narrative by imposing a moratorium on dam projects, recognizing their significant environmental impact.

Tens of thousands have protested against the Thai developers going ahead with the Luang Prabang dam in a highlysensitive earth-quake prone region of northern Laos.Scientists and UNESCO have warned about the dangers ofan eco-disaster on the Mekong.

Will Luang Prabang Become a Paradise Lost?

The article discusses the construction of the Luang Prabang Hydropower Project (LPHP) near the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Luang Prabang, Laos. Despite warnings from UNESCO and experts about the potential destruction of the site's authenticity and integrity, construction has begun. The dam is being built by Thai developer CK Power, a subsidiary of Ch.Karnchang, and is located in an earthquake-prone area, raising concerns about safety and environmental impact. UNESCO's appeals to halt construction have been ignored, and the Lao government's commitment to economic development through hydropower is criticized as leading to debt and corruption. The article also touches on the Mekong River Commission's (MRC) failure to effectively protect the environment and the conflict between Thailand's energy policy and its UNESCO obligations. The construction of the dam threatens the ecological and cultural wealth of Luang Prabang, potentially turning it from a paradise into a paradise lost.

Laos Dam Project Raises Concerns for Former Royal Capital

A Thai-backed hydropower dam is being constructed on the Mekong River near the UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos. The project aims to export electricity to Thailand but has raised concerns about the impact on the scenic heritage site.

Vietnam’s Hoi An counts cost of popularity as mass tourism threatens to overwhelm ancient town

Hoi An and Cu Lao Cham Island in Vietnam are grappling with the challenges of mass tourism. While Cu Lao Cham Island has successfully implemented sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts, Hoi An faces the threat of overdevelopment and noise pollution from tourist activities. The Marine Protection Agency and local authorities have made strides in promoting ecotourism and environmental awareness, but the balance between preserving heritage and accommodating tourists remains delicate. Recent measures, such as banning karaoke in sensitive areas, aim to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism.

Dam Project in Laos Raises Concerns for Former Royal Capital

A Thai-backed hydropower dam is being constructed on the Mekong River near Luang Prabang, Laos, with the goal of exporting electricity to Thailand. However, the project is causing alarm over the potential impact on the scenic UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang.