Communication to Combat Forest Crime in the Lower Mekong and in China: A Handbook Based on the Findings of the Knowledge, Attitude, Practices Survey on Illegal Logging and Illegal Forest Trade in the Lower Mekong and in China

United Nations 3 years ago

The Lower Mekong region is rich in biodiversity and forests that are vital for carbon storage. But illegal logging and illegal trade worth billions of dollars each year are causing extensive deforestation and harm to its people, the environment and the economy. Programmatic interventions to counteract forest crime seek to reduce demand for illegal forest products and create sustainable supply chains. In this context, effective communications and behavioural strategies are critical. The KAP score model, used in this handbook, measures knowledge, attitude, and practice related to forest crime and provides a step-by-step guide for designing communications interventions and behavioural change strategies to address illegal logging, illegal trade and other serious threats to the region's lush forests. An online version of this handbook is accessible at: www.un-redd.org/kaphandbook
→ View Full Article

layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 4 hours ago



The UK government’s £90m backing for heat networks in London, Bradford and Solihull, alongside upgrades to 76 existing networks, marks a significant shift for sustainable construction. The proposed River Thames “mega heat project” could help unlock up to £5bn of investment by capturing low-carbon heat at urban scale, strengthening the infrastructure needed for net zero carbon buildings and wider decarbonising the built environment.

For developers, contractors and local authorities, the move raises the importance of whole life carbon, whole life carbon assessment and life cycle cost in project planning. Low carbon design can no longer be judged only by fabric, systems and embodied carbon in materials within the plot boundary. Building lifecycle performance will increasingly depend on access to shared green infrastructure capable of reducing operational emissions across dense urban areas.

Heat networks support sustainable urban development where density, public procurement and long-term ownership align. They also reinforce life cycle thinking in construction, linking sustainable building design, energy-efficient buildings and carbon footprint reduction with district-scale investment. Credible delivery will depend on consumer protection, planning coordination, connection certainty and robust demand aggregation.

The policy direction strengthens the case for net zero whole life carbon strategies, BREEAM and BREEAM v7-aligned decision-making, sustainable material specification, environmental product declarations (EPDs), low embodied carbon materials and circular construction strategies. Green heat is moving from a niche feature to civic infrastructure, making environmental sustainability in construction a shared responsibility between asset owners, designers, contractors and public authorities.

Show More

camera_altFeatured Instagram Posts:

Get your opinion heard:

Whole Life Carbon is a platform for the entire construction industry—both in the UK and internationally. We track the latest publications, debates, and events related to whole life guidance and sustainability. If you have any enquiries or opinions to share, please do get in touch.

Let's chat!
Avatar

WLC Assistant

Ask me about sustainability

Hi! I'm your Whole Life Carbon assistant. I can help you learn about sustainability, carbon assessment, and navigate our resources. How can I help you today?