In this context, the Provincial REDD+ Environmental and Social Index (RESI) was developed by the by People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature) in collaboration with the Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES, Vietnam National University in Hanoi), and Tropenbos International in Vietnam (TBI), with technical support from Dr. Pamela McElwee (Rutgers University, USA). Developed from 2012 to 2015, this index assesses local environmental and social conditions and highlights particular advantages and potential risks in implementing REDD+ at the provincial level.
This briefing paper, "Re-Assessing Greater Mekong Subregion Energy Investments", provides an overview and critical analysis of the large-scale energy investments prioritized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank in the Mekong region. Case studies focus on hydropower-related projects in Lao PDR that are intended for exporting electricity to Thailand and Vietnam.
Recently, People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature) has published the guidance on pines in the mountains of Mai Chau – Moc Chau to provide specific information and updates on Pinopsida plants, collectively referred to as the coniferous flora in the mountains area bordering provinces of Hoa Binh and Son La .
The publications have provided information on the new pine species on the mountains of Moc Chau District, such as Pinus affarmandii – the newly discovered species in this area; communities of Cephalotaxus mannii and Amentotaxus yunnanensis. These are the first species that have been found in this area. In addition, the publications also provide specific guidance to breed conifers in nursery conditions by breeding methodscompatible to the species.
This guidanceis crucial to the conservation of natural resources in general and to the conservation of conifers in particular as the limestone corridors Hoa Binh – Son La, namely Mai Chau – Moc Chau mountain is one of the areas of high value for biodiversity. However, information on the species as well as the conservation of endangered species in this area has not been adequately studied and properlyconcerned.
This policy discussion report is initiated, revised and completed by PanNature's Policy Research Department under professional instructions of Dr Dao Trong Tu, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Water Resources Development and Adaptation to Climate Change(CEWAREC), Advisor to Vietnam Rivers Network and Member of Global Water Partnership Southeast Asia (GWPSEA).
PanNature was selected to implement the activity "Assessment about the awareness of coastal zone management and general environmental awareness in Soc Trang Province". From 5-20 May 2008, three PanNature researchers worked in cooperation with project counterpart staff at the province, district and commune levels to carry out assessment activities in Soc Trang City and the districts of Cu Lao Dung, Vinh Chau and Long Phu. This technical report presents the results of the field survey. It describes the local awareness on environmental issues and management of coastal resources of different target groups of Soc Trang Province.