Environmental changes and inequalities in the Mekong region: A systematic mapping
1.4. Implications for research and practice : for a paradigm shift on sustainable development and complexity analysis in the Mekong countries Benjamin Buclet, Stéphane Lagrée
This systematic mapping presents the analysis of literature on the relationship between environmental changes and inequalities in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. With 2,355 out of 6,042 studies found included in the mapping, we provide an overview of the available knowledge and knowledge gaps, as well as a set of databases for further exploitation. Researchers, policy makers, and institutions could use this analysis to further work on: 1. topics for which data is already available, facilitating content analysis which could result in direct advice for policy action (e.g., tenure and rights issues, climate change/ disaster and inequalities, pollution and inequalities); 2. knowledge gaps that require more data, through initiating research and development projects that will develop the knowledge pool and provide bases for policy recommendations. Taking inequality into account is indeed the only way to make sure policies are on track to achieve the SDGs; as Lebel (2013) states: “for marginalized groups adaptation should be about pursuing social justice in development — empowering and providing options and opportunities to exercise choice.” As of 2019–2020, under the new shock and environmental stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, inequality and social differentiation have revealed, in some contexts, some issues that were previously hidden. Based on the available data analysis, the authors recommend particular considerations for policy making and studies in the Mekong region:
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Future policy and development projects should be aware of and take into account the root causes: the nature of ethnicity identification bias (as “forest destroyers” in forest conservation policy), the current structure and statehood where real community participation is not present, and the undervalued consideration of indigenous, local livelihood compared to trending investment gains. This is crucial for both the climate and biodiversity policy agendas.
