Strengthening Grassroots Capacity on Equity in Forest Management in the Lower Mekong

USAID's Grassroots Equity and Enhanced Networks in the Mekong (GREEN Mekong) launched its two-year capacity development series in Bangkok on October 14-18.  Over 21 grassroots civil society organizations (CSOs) from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the course designed to strengthen their abilities as facilitators to explain the concept and principles of…

Promoting Quality of Medicines Program’s Technical Assistance Supports ASEAN Regional Harmonization Strategy

With the financial support from USAID/Philippines, USAID/Indonesia, and the Presidential Malaria Initiative through USAID/RDMA, the Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) program conducted two successful training workshops in conjunction with the ASEAN Pharmaceutical Product Working Group  for the medicines regulatory agencies of ASEAN member states.In September more than 35 inspectors from ASEAN member states—Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia,…

Advancing Vietnam’s National REDD+ Fund and Accounting Framework

With support from the USAID-funded Lowering Emissions in Asia’s Forests (LEAF) project, the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) organized a technical meeting to discuss the REDD+ Fund proposal and the development of a national REDD+ accounting framework for Vietnam.  Fifty participants representing government departments, international donors, and provinces that are implementing REDD+ gathered in Hanoi…

Fellowships Available under the LMI Environment and Water Pillar

The MyCOE / SERVIR Initiative is currently accepting proposals for a seven months fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students from Lower Mekong countries.  Interested students should propose a research project that will provide a lasting impact in addressing challenges in Climate Change, Sustainable Landscapes and/or Watersheds.  Proposals are due November 3, 2013. Proposals must also include an outreach component to share results with local…

USAID’s PEER Program Looking for Researchers in LMI Countries

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is exploring new opportunities to use science and technology to meet the world’s development challenges.  As part of its science and technology strategy, USAID is supporting various mechanisms to leverage the investments that other U.S. government agencies make in scientific research and training.  In this context, USAID,…

ASEAN Youth Volunteers Supporting Conservation Efforts in Malaysia

The ASEAN Youth Volunteer Program (AYVP), jointly funded by ASEAN and the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA), was officially launched on August 12.  The five-week program is providing 100 volunteers with experience in knowledge driven volunteerism and community engagement while developing ASEAN awareness and regional identity. The inaugural program focuses on the theme of environmental conservation.…

Survey Identifies Wildlife Crime Offenders in Vietnam

Since April 2013, Education for Nature-Vietnam (ENV), a partner of the USAID-funded Asia’s Regional Response to Endangered Species Trafficking (ARREST) Program, has surveyed 550 business establishments in Hanoi and found more than 80 violations of wildlife protection laws. During August 19-23, ENV surveyed an additional 233 businesses and found 13 offenses. Most violations were identified…

USAID-Supported a Regional Laboratory Network Workshop on Diagnosis of Rabies and Newcastle Disease

The IDENTIFY project of USAID's global Emerging Pandemic Threats program (EPT) hosted a regional laboratory network workshop on diagnosis of Rabies and Newcastle Disease at National Institute of Animal Health, Bangkok on August 26 – September 6, 2013.  Led by The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Development,…

Supporting Vietnam’s National REDD+ Fund

With support from the USAID-funded LEAF program, the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) organized a national consultation workshop in Hanoi on August 27 to discuss the establishment of a National REDD+ Fund.  Over 70 participants representing government departments, international donors and provinces implementing REDD+ discussed the design of a proposed National Fund, including aspects related…

NEWS: Mekong Region’s Innovators Welcome U.S. Support

(VOV) -Officials and stakeholders have gathered at an August 29 meeting in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss methods of supporting the Lower Mekong sub-region’s young technological innovators.The event, jointly held by the U.S. State Department and the Vietnamese branch of IDG ASEAN, involved government and private sector representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and…

TIGERS@Mekong Strategy Meeting Held in Ho Chi Minh City

Thursday saw a one-day strategy meeting on an initiative to promote tech entrepreneurship kick off in Ho Chi Minh City, where government representatives and stakeholders convened to discuss ways to support young innovators in the tech sector in the Lower Mekong sub-region.The event, co-hosted by the US Department of State and IDG ASEAN, attracted government…

Press Release: Embassy Hanoi Hosts First-ever Model East Asia Summit

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi hosted the first-ever Model East Asia Summit (Model EAS) for 33 high school and university students at the Embassy’s American Center on August 16, 2013.  Based on the popular American extracurricular activity Model United Nations, the Model EAS program allows students to exchange ideas on policy issues that are relevant…