The Greater Mekong Subregion: Core Environment Program

The pattern of economic growth that has enabled the countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to grow rapidly over the past 2 decades is no longer sustainable. That growth brought prosperity to many of the subregion’s 340 million people and lifted millions out of poverty. Yet, it was fueled by the unsustainable use of natural resources, creating widespread environmental degradation.

The GMS governments recognize that natural resources and ecosystem services are underpinning the subregion’s economic development and that the rate of depletion is unsustainable. All six countries have made a considerable effort to improve environmental governance and management—but much more needs to be done.