The Asia Foundation

In this issue: "National Geographic and Dr. Sakena Yacoobi Honored at Lotus Awards," "Visionary NGO Leader Sir Fazle Hasan Abed of BRAC is Asia Foundation Fellow," "Asia Foundation at Google's Big Tent on Open Data and Disaster Preparedness,"...

In this issue: "National Geographic and Dr. Sakena Yacoobi Honored at Lotus Awards," "Visionary NGO Leader Sir Fazle Hasan Abed of BRAC is Asia Foundation Fellow," "Asia Foundation at Google's Big Tent on Open Data and Disaster Preparedness," "Renowned Philanthropist Dr. Chong-Moon Lee Launches New Projects to Combat Human Trafficking," "Luce Scholars Report for Assignments in Asia," "Multimedia," "Briefly Noted," "Rockefeller Foundation Supports Post-Flood Recovery and Environment Initiative in Thailand."

51 Signatories agree to a Definition of Responsible Mining that will advance national objectives for the benefit of all Mongolians On April 4th, 51 signatories representing the public, private and non-governmental sectors met at the fourth...

51 Signatories agree to a Definition of Responsible Mining that will advance national objectives for the benefit of all Mongolians On April 4th, 51 signatories representing the public, private and non-governmental sectors met at the fourth Multi-stakeholder meeting and pledged support for a definition of Responsible Mining and eight underlying principles. The definition and principles establish a foundation for future collaboration and cooperation that engages diverse interests in a process that will advance national objectives. The process by which the definition and principles were developed was spearheaded by a working group comprising government, private and non-governmental sector representatives that began meeting in late 2006 following the first of the Multi-stakeholder meetings.              

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE MINING Uguumur township in Toson Zaamar, the northwest corner of Tov province, hums with mining activity from dusk to dawn. Mining affects nearly everyone’s life in this...

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE MINING Uguumur township in Toson Zaamar, the northwest corner of Tov province, hums with mining activity from dusk to dawn. Mining affects nearly everyone’s life in this township, given that 80 percent of the 8,300 hectares of the territory has been licensed for exploration or extraction. In this village of about 3,300 people, 18 companies mainly owned by Mongolian, Russian and Chinese interests, actively mine placer gold deposits. This includes five major operations along the banks of the Tuul River, which is a shared water source for mining, town residents, and herders who depend upon the Tuul for watering their livestock.

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic...

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic thrust that will seek to advance mining in the national interest and mitigate its negative impacts.

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic...

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic thrust that will seek to advance mining in the national interest and mitigate its negative impacts.

Declaration for Responsible Mining Signed Members of government, mining companies, and civil society have formally committed to working on the implementation of responsible mining through signing a Declaration for Responsible Mining. The...

Declaration for Responsible Mining Signed Members of government, mining companies, and civil society have formally committed to working on the implementation of responsible mining through signing a Declaration for Responsible Mining. The Multi-Stakeholder Process for Responsible Mining held their fifth meeting on June 12, 2007, which was attended by 54 participants including six Members of Parliament. During this meeting. Sanjmyatav, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Environmental Standing Committee was introduced as the new co-chair, and the declaration was signed by 39 members of the group. The declaration remains open to additional signatories and parties wishing to commit to the implementation of responsible mining. This is particularly significant for Mongolia because minerals form an important economic sector representing an estimated 60% of exports in 2005, 17% of GDP growth in 2005, and 53% of foreign direct investment from 2000 to 2006 (World Bank).

Now more than ever, disaster preparedness and risk reduction are essential to the sustained well-being and future development of communities throughout Asia and the Pacific. For over 17 years, The Asia Foundation has been helping communities...

Now more than ever, disaster preparedness and risk reduction are essential to the sustained well-being and future development of communities throughout Asia and the Pacific. For over 17 years, The Asia Foundation has been helping communities strengthen their resilience to natural disasters and the increasing threats from climate change. It is cultivating leadership among local and national governments, building the capacity of vulnerable communities, and engaging the private sector.

Occasional Paper No. 17, October 2012

China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the world and faces both domestic and international pressure to curb its emissions and contribution to climate change. Recognizing its role...

Occasional Paper No. 17, October 2012

China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the world and faces both domestic and international pressure to curb its emissions and contribution to climate change. Recognizing its role and potential for being a leader in addressing climate change, China has developed various policies and measures to address the issue. This paper presents a case study from The Asia Foundation-CEEPR project in an attempt to answer the following questions: What are the challenges to engage SMEs in the low carbon transition process in China, and what hurdles exist？ What are the opportunities in the low carbon transition, and what incentives might be put in place to promote the transition?

As mining grows in importance to Mongolia's economy, local communities and the environment will increasingly feel the impact. Effective government institutions and citizen participation in local resource decisions will be imperative. Since...

As mining grows in importance to Mongolia's economy, local communities and the environment will increasingly feel the impact. Effective government institutions and citizen participation in local resource decisions will be imperative. Since 2006, The Asia Foundation has promoted responsible mining in Mongolia by supporting collaboration between industry, government and civil society.

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil...

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil society to participate actively in decisionmaking that has direct consequences on communities, households, and individuals.

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower...

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil society to participate actively in decisionmaking that has direct consequences on communities, households, and individuals.

For more than two decades, The Asia Foundation has backed local initiatives to ensure the sustainability of natural resources across Asia. Working with civil society organizations, government and the private sector, the Foundation understands...

For more than two decades, The Asia Foundation has backed local initiatives to ensure the sustainability of natural resources across Asia. Working with civil society organizations, government and the private sector, the Foundation understands the complex interplay between environmental protection, economic development, local and regional government relations, private sector incentives and the rights of local communities. Improved governance is a vital component of any response to deforestation, land degradation and climate change and a key factor in achieving successful, sustainable development.

For more than two decades, The Asia Foundation has backed local initiatives to ensure the sustainability of natural resources across Asia. Working with civil society organizations, government and the private sector, the Foundation...

For more than two decades, The Asia Foundation has backed local initiatives to ensure the sustainability of natural resources across Asia. Working with civil society organizations, government and the private sector, the Foundation understands the complex interplay between environmental protection, economic development, local and regional government relations, private sector incentives and the rights of local communities. Improved governance is a vital component of any response to deforestation, land degradation and climate change and a key factor in achieving successful, sustainable development.

EXPERIENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GETS ROLLING IN KHENTII In late April the “Securing Our Future” (SOF) program team traveled to Khentii aimag to identify partner schools and communities for the Water Quality Monitoring...

EXPERIENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GETS ROLLING IN KHENTII In late April the “Securing Our Future” (SOF) program team traveled to Khentii aimag to identify partner schools and communities for the Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) program. Five soums were selected, including: Norovlin, Dadal, Bayan-Adarga, Binder and Batshireet. Selection of these five sets the stage for the WQM program to rollout over the summer in Khentii, Khuvsgul, Bayankhongor and other aimags. This activity will engage secondary school faculty and students in experiential education that will improve their knowledge of ecology, biology and basic water chemistry.

Supporting Flood Relief, Recovery, and Resilience Measures

In October 2011, Thailand faced its most severe flooding in half a century. An especially long and heavy monsoon season caused flooding from Bangkok's Chao...

Supporting Flood Relief, Recovery, and Resilience Measures

In October 2011, Thailand faced its most severe flooding in half a century. An especially long and heavy monsoon season caused flooding from Bangkok's Chao Phraya River and several other neighboring river systems. Decades of inadequate planning and water resources management, as well as pressure from rapid urban growth, compromised the efficacy of both natural and built drainage courses from Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand.

Under current law, there are few protections afforded to communities and citizens from the potential impacts of mining. This may change if the Homeland and Water Protection Coalition of River Movements, and partner environmental and civil...

Under current law, there are few protections afforded to communities and citizens from the potential impacts of mining. This may change if the Homeland and Water Protection Coalition of River Movements, and partner environmental and civil society organizations are successful in their campaign to introduce amendments to the Law on Minerals which is on the legislative agenda for this spring session of Parliament.

Under current law, there are few protections afforded to communities and citizens from the potential impacts of mining. This may change if the Homeland and Water Protection Coalition of River Movements, and partner environmental and civil...

Under current law, there are few protections afforded to communities and citizens from the potential impacts of mining. This may change if the Homeland and Water Protection Coalition of River Movements, and partner environmental and civil society organizations are successful in their campaign to introduce amendments to the Law on Minerals which is on the legislative agenda for this spring session of Parliament.

Since the 1990s, The Asia Foundation has supported programs aimed at accelerating the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) by civil society, government, and the private sector. Certain advances in ICT – such as the...

Since the 1990s, The Asia Foundation has supported programs aimed at accelerating the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) by civil society, government, and the private sector. Certain advances in ICT – such as the pervasive adoption of mobile telephones and the rapid spread of internet connectivity – have dramatically increased the speed of information processing, as well as the ease, frequency, and quality of communications in the developing world.

Over the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, the Securing Our Future (SOF) Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) team traveled to Uvurkhangai Aimag, and sampled the Orhon River from points 33 km south of Kharkhorin, and continuing north with the flow to Ugii...

Over the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, the Securing Our Future (SOF) Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) team traveled to Uvurkhangai Aimag, and sampled the Orhon River from points 33 km south of Kharkhorin, and continuing north with the flow to Ugii Nuur. The team comprised Tamir who came to the Foundation from a multi-year stint with the Hovsgol GEF project which established the Long-term Ecological Research site on the eastern shores of Lake Khuvsgul. As the team’s water chemist, she will collect valuable data on dissolved minerals, trace metals, and other organic and in-organic elements using state-of-the art technology, including a photo-spectrometer. This chemical data will be correlated with biologic data gathered by National University PhD student Narangarvuu.

Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition and the Onon Ulz River Movement Work to Engage Khentii Citizens in Resource Management Decisions Affecting their Communities and Lives Close to the Russian border in central Mongolia, Batshireet Soum...

Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition and the Onon Ulz River Movement Work to Engage Khentii Citizens in Resource Management Decisions Affecting their Communities and Lives Close to the Russian border in central Mongolia, Batshireet Soum citizens gathered on March 16th and 17th with peers from nearby Binder and Bayan Adraga soums to discuss tools and tactics that will engage citizens in natural resources decision-making. “People are our most important asset” agreed the 30 participants in the two-day workshop. This is also the land through which the Onon River flows, and where Chinggis Khan is reputed to have been born in the late 1100s.

Mongolia’s wealth of metals and minerals has the potential to contribute to the nation’s long term economic growth and prosperity, and to sustain communities and important cultural and social values. However, unchecked mine...

Mongolia’s wealth of metals and minerals has the potential to contribute to the nation’s long term economic growth and prosperity, and to sustain communities and important cultural and social values. However, unchecked mine development can squander this potential. How can Mongolia use its natural wealth to expand its economy while also growing healthy communities? One answer is through a multi-stakeholder process involving public, private and non-governmental interests that promotes Responsible Mining.

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first...

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first citizen-convened gathering in recent history. Representatives from the Toson Zaamar River Movement in north central Tov Aimag organized town hall meetings and other events during the course of the week to engage residents and government decision-makers on issues related to responsible mining, to learn more about these issues, and to develop strategies for community improvement.

On November 6, 2006, 35 parliamentarians, executive branch, private sector and NGO representatives gathered to discuss an initiative to promote responsible mining that protects human and environmental health. The roundtable, hosted by The Asia...

On November 6, 2006, 35 parliamentarians, executive branch, private sector and NGO representatives gathered to discuss an initiative to promote responsible mining that protects human and environmental health. The roundtable, hosted by The Asia Foundation, is a first step in a multi-stakeholder process that will bring interested parties together to establish a common framework for understanding related to mining and environmental issues in Mongolia.

Mongolian version - On November 6, 2006, 35 parliamentarians, executive branch, private sector and NGO representatives gathered to discuss an initiative to promote responsible mining that protects human and environmental health. The...

Mongolian version - On November 6, 2006, 35 parliamentarians, executive branch, private sector and NGO representatives gathered to discuss an initiative to promote responsible mining that protects human and environmental health. The roundtable, hosted by The Asia Foundation, is a first step in a multi-stakeholder process that will bring interested parties together to establish a common framework for understanding related to mining and environmental issues in Mongolia.

Water governance throughout South Asia has long been dominated by technical perspectives from civil engineering, economics, and international law. Across the region, state actors, scientists, and technocrats have monopolized policy formulation...

Water governance throughout South Asia has long been dominated by technical perspectives from civil engineering, economics, and international law. Across the region, state actors, scientists, and technocrats have monopolized policy formulation and implementation providing limited space for the expression of legitimate civil society voices and stakeholder interests. In this largely state driven discourse, broader social and ecological perspectives have been underrepresented. Bringing the discourse on water use, sharing, and management closer to affected communities and stakeholders can help to reduce environmental degradation and thereby the potential for conflict.

In May 2012, with support from the Skoll Global Threats Fund, The Asia Foundation (TAF) in partnership with civil society organizations in India and Bangladesh began a political economy analysis of the Teesta River Basin. To try and unpack the interests around water governance in the Teesta Basin, the analysis sought to identify and map key actors and stakeholders in the basin, their incentives, relative stakes, and their ability to influence water governance decisions in the basin. The analysis highlights five distinct political economy features of water negotiations and governance in the Teesta River Basin: Seeing like a state; legitimate stakeholders and actors excluded from the table; legitimate interests excluded from the table; weak articulation of stakeholder interests; and, state control of data and information.