Mekong/ASEAN Environmental Week (MAEW) is an annual regional platform that fosters deep exchange among people, civil society groups, and other key actors on development, natural resources, and the environmental and social impacts of large-scale projects in the Mekong and Southeast Asia. The mission is to strengthen and sustain a movement for justice and solutions to the region’s environment and livelihood challenges, focusing on supporting marginalized communities and amplifying their voices.
Since its inception in 2019, MAEW has brought together diverse groups, networks, and mechanisms to address critical regional issues from environment to democracy, climate justice, agriculture, and food sovereignty. Topics like free trade agreements, the Belt and Road Initiative, and Special Economic Zones have also been discussions, alongside the climate crisis, waste management, and the ecosystems of the Mekong and Salween Rivers.
This year MAEW 2024 commences with the photo exhibition “Echoes of the Mekong: Communities in Transition” by Rerngrit Kongmuang. It was showcased at the Coffee Bean in Siem Reap early this month and will be on display at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) from September 24-29, 2024. MAEW 2024 will conclude with a series of collaborative events organized by civil society groups, ranging from panel discussions and talks at various venues in the city. The main MAEW Bangkok activities will take place from September 27-30, 2024.
MAEW 2024’s highlights
Mekong and Tonle Sap: Explore the impact of dam construction on the Mekong River and its tributaries, featuring local voices and highlighting the ecological and cultural value of the Mekong Basin through forums and photo exhibitions.
Land Grabbing and Special Economic Zones: Examine the critical issue of land grabbing, the influence of Chinese capital, and related challenges like industrial waste in special economic zones
Food Sovereignty: Focus on self-reliance through exchanges between young farmers from different areas, emphasizing food sovereignty as both a campaign and a practical solution.
Cross-Border Investment: Analyze the profiles and impacts of regional and international investors on local communities and ecosystems.
Global Warming: Solving or Worsening?: Discuss whether global policies like REDD and the promotion of large dams as “clean” energy are truly effective or making the situation worse.
Transboundary Dust and Waste: Address the shared issue of transboundary dust and waste, exploring causes, impacts, and collaborative solutions.
Cultural Exchange: Foster cultural dialogue through performances, music, exhibitions, storytelling, and interactive board games.
Organised by Project SEVANA South-East Asia and its co-organisers. Check the full program and more details at MAEW2024
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to “bridge the gap” and “connect the dots” with critical and constructive minds on development and environmental policies in Thailand and the Mekong region; to deliver meaningful messages and create the big picture critical to public understanding and decision-making, thus truly being the public’s critical voice