oil exploration |
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It has tabled a resolution at the UN to resolve the decade-long dispute over the Falklands. |
The Mekong River is flowing at its lowest level in half a century, affecting 65 million people in the lower basin who rely on the river for food, transport and economic activity. Green groups and governments of lower Mekong countries-Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam-are blaming China for shrinking the river by building dams; eight exist or are planned on the river in China where it originates. Beijing insists that the parched state of the river is due to a severe drought in southwest china. The Mekong River Commission, a body that brings together Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, has endorsed China's defence. "We have no direct evidence that the drop in water levels is caused by Chinese dams," said the commission. Thailand, however, believes the change in the water levels began since China started operating three dams two years ago. As Bangkok readies to meet Beijing for release of more water from the dams, conservationists have cautioned it against the dams it plans with Myanmar on the already shrunk Mekong river. carbon sink |
Efforts to ban trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna were defeated by a Japanese diplomatic offensive at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (cites) in Doha, Qatar. The fish was the biggest issue at the convention because stocks have dropped by 85 per cent since commercial fishing began. Conservationists argue a trading ban by the 175-nation cites would have protected the fish, which is in high demand for Japanese dish, sushi. The EU, despite powerful fishing interests, had agreed to back the ban after months of internal debate. The US, Monaco and Norway also supported the ban. But the effort was foiled after Libya called for a vote and the proposal failed to garner requisite support. Conservationists blame the defeat on the fierce lobbying from the fishing industry. |