Oudomsay environmental assessment

Earlier this month, administrative staff in Oudomsay province met in the province office to study, learn and evaluate the environment situation of the province.

The workshop, held by STEA (Science, Technology and Environmental Agency), focused on upgrading technological and environmental knowledge and skills.

“Some people in Oudomsay still persist in their shifting cultivation, affecting 15,000-17,000 hectares each year,” said Oudomsay Deputy Governor Khamsay Moungmisay, who presided over the workshop.

He spoke about the impact of forest destruction, saying river levels will decline, the average temperature will climb, and the soil will erode.

He also talked about the environmental situation in downtown Oudomsay, where people persistently throw rubbish and pour waste water into the Koh River.

The two-day workshop also introduced environmental law to the Oudomsay staff and aimed at strengthening cooperation in environmental management between STEA and the province environment service.

Acting STEA office chief Sitha Phouygnavong spoke of the importance of environment protection to participants, saying the Party and government have laid a heavy stress on protection of the environment and natural resources.

Participants reported on local conditions of the environment as they experience it. Workshop leaders urged participants to get actively involved in environmental protection, and that they needed to be involved in campaigns for community awareness and participation.