out that, "Although it has been over 25 years since the formal conclusion of the Vietnam War, its lingering environmental effects are still being felt today.
"To cite but one example, there has been virtually no recovery in the upland forests that were defoliated by Agent Orange between 1965-1971. Reduced biodiversity of wildlife and forests, soil erosion, unproductive land, and other effects of the war continue an unbroken cycle of poverty and hardship.”
The dioxin in Agent Orange, which is the subject of an ongoing scientific and political debate, is one of several toxic substances whose effects will be reviewed at the Conference.
"To cite but one example, there has been virtually no recovery in the upland forests that were defoliated by Agent Orange between 1965-1971. Reduced biodiversity of wildlife and forests, soil erosion, unproductive land, and other effects of the war continue an unbroken cycle of poverty and hardship.”
The dioxin in Agent Orange, which is the subject of an ongoing scientific and political debate, is one of several toxic substances whose effects will be reviewed at the Conference.
Other key issues include the death and disability caused by munitions remaining from the war, the spread of diseases such as malaria and lymphoma, and the social-psychological consequences for families and communities.
The impact of such factors on the societies of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia has been very great. For example, total deaths and casualties caused by land mines and other unexploded ordnance since the end of the war far exceed, on a proportional basis, those sustained by U.S. troops during the war.
Given that tens of millions of land mines and bomblets remain in the landscape of
The impact of such factors on the societies of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia has been very great. For example, total deaths and casualties caused by land mines and other unexploded ordnance since the end of the war far exceed, on a proportional basis, those sustained by U.S. troops during the war.
Given that tens of millions of land mines and bomblets remain in the landscape of
Indochina, the toll of death and suffering is certain to rise in the decades ahead.
These and other long-term consequences will be reviewed in separate reports on ecosystems, public health and economic impacts. The ethical, legal and policy implications of the Vietnam War will also be addressed.
It is anticipated that drafts of all four reports will be published in advance on the conference web site, then revised on the basis of comments and suggestions received.
The event will take place during 26-28 July at Bosön Conference Centre, located ten kilometres from the Stockholm city centre. (Please click "Next" button.)
These and other long-term consequences will be reviewed in separate reports on ecosystems, public health and economic impacts. The ethical, legal and policy implications of the Vietnam War will also be addressed.
It is anticipated that drafts of all four reports will be published in advance on the conference web site, then revised on the basis of comments and suggestions received.
The event will take place during 26-28 July at Bosön Conference Centre, located ten kilometres from the Stockholm city centre. (Please click "Next" button.)