Online Library
Building Capacity for Land Use Change Modeling (2014–2017)
Land use is constantly changing in the Greater Mekong Subregion. At the same time, land use planning processes are often poorly informed, risking decisions that may lead to social and environmental costs that outweigh intended benefits.
Workshop: GMS Land-Use Change Modeling Network
This workshop brought together members of the GMS land-use change modeling network to share project results and develop proposals for future work.
Workshop: Designing Development Scenarios for Land-use Modeling
Information on how future development may unfold is essential for land use change modeling.
Regional Knowledge Sharing Event on Transboundary Biodiversity Landscape Management in the GMS
Senior environment and forestry officials from Yunnan and Guangxi met with representatives from the other five GMS countries to exchange experiences and lessons from biodiversity conservation work in transboundary landscapes.
Eco-driving to Reduce Freight GHG Emissions in the GMS
Truck drivers from over 100 freight companies in Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam have undergone eco-driving training as the Green Freight Initiative tests ways to lessen the environmental impacts of freight transport in the GMS.
SEA Support for Land Use Planning in Viet Nam (2015-2016)
Viet Nam’s 10-year Land Use Plans undergo revisions every 5 years, a process led by the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (MONRE).
Integrated Energy Planning (2015–2016)
Growing demand for energy goes hand-in-hand with rapid economic development. Since 2005, GDP per capita in the GMS has increased 260% while electricity consumption has nearly doubled. As their economies continue to rapidly grow, all six countries need to utilize additional energy resources to meet increasing domestic demand. In addition, Lao PDR and Myanmar view energy exports as a major economic opportunity.
SEA Support for Socioeconomic Development Planning (2015–2016)
Under Viet Nam’s 2011 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) decree, development plans of five years duration or more, including socioeconomic development plans (SEDP), are required to undergo an SEA. However, implementation of the decree is still relatively weak, with technical SEA capacity one of the major constraints.
Multisector Planning for Sustainable Development (2015–2016)
Development planning in the GMS is often fragmented, with ministries and sectors lacking the capacity, tools, or incentives to work together to meet sustainable development goals. When competing for the same natural resources, implementing one sector plan is often to the detriment of another. As a result, resource allocation can become inefficient, costly, and ultimately unsustainable.