Project Description
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), while rich in biodiversity and natural resources, faces increasing environmental pressure from rapid infrastructure and economic development along its economic corridors. To address these concerns, ICEM conducted a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the North South Economic Corridor (NSEC), particularly focusing on the Golden Quadrangle Area and the transport sector. The aim was to examine how corridor development could impact critical ecosystems, biodiversity, and local communities, with the broader goal of enhancing the environmental sustainability of the GMS Economic Cooperation Program.
Objectives, Activities and Results
The SEA provided a framework for integrating environmental considerations into transport planning, identifying key risks such as landscape fragmentation and biodiversity loss. ICEM developed and delivered specialized training materials to strengthen technical capacity in spatial and integrated planning tools, aimed at professionals in the transport, trade, and tourism sectors. These efforts supported GMS countries in making more informed, environmentally sound decisions regarding economic corridor development, promoting a more balanced approach to growth that considers ecological and social equity outcomes.
