Tourism authorities in Vangvieng are concerned about the effects on water quality and the environment of bottles and other rubbish being thrown into the Song River.
More than 4 tonnes of glass and garbage are collected from the river each year, so further measures are needed to protect river ecosystems, according to Vangvieng district Deputy Governor, Mr Phonekeo Khounphon.
“The authorities have already put measures in place to ban shops and bars from selling bottled beer for visitors to take to the river, as it will damage the environment. However, some shops have ignored the ban,” he said.
Authorities have encouraged shop and bar owners to sell cans of beer instead of bottles, as they have a smaller impact on the environment. Many businesses along the river have followed the regulation, but some still sell bottled drinks to visitors.
To minimise the impacts on the environment and water quality, especially for fishermen who rely on the river for their livelihood, the relevant sectors, including the environment office and district authorities, work together to clean the river twice a year. Locals are encouraged to get involved in the cleanup effort, Mr Phonekeo said.
Local authorities have observed that many visitors are aware of the environmental impact because they put their bottles on the ground near the river, but the bottles are washed down stream when the level of the river rises.
Mr Phonekeo admitted that both Lao people and foreigners throw glass into the river, especially when they are drunk. This practice will create problems in the long run for the appearance and ecology of the river, he said.
“We have called business operators to explain the effects of throwing bottles in the river, and we have also warned shops that are still selling bottles of beer for visitors to take to the river.”
“Glass and garbage are the big environmental issues whic h are adversely affecting the river’s ecology and fishermen’s livelihoods, so we have made this problem a priority task,” Mr Phonekeo said.
Apart from cleaning the river, authorities are also visiting guesthouses and hotels to examine water treatment systems, to ensure business operators do not pump waste water directly into the river.
Vangvieng is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Laos for both local and foreign visitors. Therefore tourism authorities are working actively to protect the environment, with the aim of both maintaining the area’s renowned natural beauty and preserving its status as a tourism hotspot.
Tourism authorities in Vangvieng are concerned about the effects on water quality and the environment of bottles and other rubbish being thrown into the Song River.
More than 4 tonnes of glass and garbage are collected from the river each year, so further measures are needed to protect river ecosystems, according to Vangvieng district Deputy Governor, Mr Phonekeo Khounphon.
“The authorities have already put measures in place to ban shops and bars from selling bottled beer for visitors to take to the river, as it will damage the environment. However, some shops have ignored the ban,” he said.
Authorities have encouraged shop and bar owners to sell cans of beer instead of bottles, as they have a smaller impact on the environment. Many businesses along the river have followed the regulation, but some still sell bottled drinks to visitors.
To minimise the impacts on the environment and water quality, especially for fishermen who rely on the river for their livelihood, the relevant sectors, including the environment office and district authorities, work together to clean the river twice a year. Locals are encouraged to get involved in the cleanup effort, Mr Phonekeo said.
Local authorities have observed that many visitors are aware of the environmental impact because they put their bottles on the ground near the river, but the bottles are washed down stream when the level of the river rises.
Mr Phonekeo admitted that both Lao people and foreigners throw glass into the river, especially when they are drunk. This practice will create problems in the long run for the appearance and ecology of the river, he said.
“We have called business operators to explain the effects of throwing bottles in the river, and we have also warned shops that are still selling bottles of beer for visitors to take to the river.”
“Glass and garbage are the big environmental issues whic h are adversely affecting the river’s ecology and fishermen’s livelihoods, so we have made this problem a priority task,” Mr Phonekeo said.
Apart from cleaning the river, authorities are also visiting guesthouses and hotels to examine water treatment systems, to ensure business operators do not pump waste water directly into the river.
Vangvieng is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Laos for both local and foreign visitors. Therefore tourism authorities are working actively to protect the environment, with the aim of both maintaining the area’s renowned natural beauty and preserving its status as a tourism hotspot.
Source: Vientiane Times
because of Lao people or vietnamese or chinese!!! Farang never throw the garbages anywhere.
