Lao government prepares 1 billion of sapling for June 1
(KPL) The government of the Lao PDR has prepared 1 billion of saplings to plant on the June 1, the National Arbor Day. This is a priority of the Lao government to improve land, protect natural disaster and conserve environment. For the Vientiane Capital, 700 ha has already prepared in which 10 ha for government sectors, while the rest will be offered to private sectors including factories, companies and individuals. Mr. Laznivong Amarathithada, Head of the Agriculture and Forestry of Vientiane Capital said that so far more than 500 kg of different tree seeds has prepared and 1.7 million of saplings was separately delivered to the districts for planting on June 1, especially along the No. 13 north and south. Mr. Laznivong also disclosed that today the trees has covered Vientiane city only 43 percents which is low number. Vientiane Capital is now 10,000 ha of land for tree plantation.
Just only a number again ! go and see the sapling last year. Almost all died after a few months cause nobody takecare. We just know how to plant and cut, but we just don't know how to take care of it.
China is now moving to northern Laos for rubber plantation. This has two-edge swords that can benefit Laos and harm Laos. Benefit Laos in terms that: 1) substitute the opium plantation with rubber plantation 2) increase job and income to local villagers
Harm Laos 1) Rubber Plantation cause the lost of ecological diversity in Laos (mono plant) 2) Disturb the eco tourism in Laos
love how some of the main streets in Vientiane are lined with large trees. hopefully they will get to see the city grow, & not be chopped down if those streets are ever widened...if they could speak they'd have plenty of stories to tell about the history of Vientiane.
about rubber: takes ~ 7 years before trees can start being tapped for latex. not sure what farmers will survive on in meantime?
when land is cleared for plantations, during the time before the trees grow large enough roots that can hang onto the soil...higher chance of landslides during rainy season?
overdependence on rubber = vulnerable to changes in world demand & rubber prices. when prices crash farmers can't get back any returns, happened before to Malaysia. is there some agreement whereby China guarantees she will buy the rubber produced in 7 years time, even if demand crashes?
