(Vientiane Times) Improving sustainable environmental practices in Mekong region countries was the topic of discussion at the two-day National Consultation Workshop on the Environment Performance Assessment Report, held yesterday in Vientiane.

The meeting aimed to give national stakeholders the chance to share ideas on how to best ensure environmental sustainability in their respective nations and the region as a whole.

Deputy Head of the Water Resources Environment Administration (WREA), Mr Sisavath Vithaxay, said sustainable use of natural resources in the six regional countries needs to be urgently addressed.

In 2006, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided funds to implement and manage a work plan for environmental sustainability in the Mekong region, as well as a core environment programme and the Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Initiative.

Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam have all received funds from the ABD to improve economic growth through development projects.

The projects include construction of roads, railways, airports, hydropower plants, and natural gas facilities, as well as initiatives to boost tourism and trade.

The goal of the projects is to help people in these countries access a better life, but they have often led to environmental problems across the region.

The bank has urged all Mekong region countries to work closely together to address these issues.

The ADB-funded work plan aims to evaluate environmental sustainability practices within development strategy frameworks, which is a top priority for investment and development projects in the region.

Mr Sisavath said the Mekong region countries have a wealth of natural resources, including forests, rich biodiversity and water resources, which hold great potential to boost economic growth.

In relation to Laos, Mr Sisavath said the government has concentrated on sustainable use of natural water resources.

“We aim for sustainable environmental practices, but we have to strictly follow regulations in order to protect the environment and pass on the nation's wealth to the next generation,” he said.

To achieve government goals, especially in the sustainable use of environmental resources, Mr Sisavath said a programme is needed to evaluate the current situation, challenges and responsibilities for an effective strategy to ensure environmental best practices .

Mr Sisavath encouraged representatives at the meeting to actively contribute to improving the report before it is published.

The workshop was organised by WREA, with financial support from ADB and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

ADB and UNEP cooperate towards the promotion of sustainable development and environmental management throughout the Asia Pacific Region as defined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2000.