Speech

Remarks by His Exellency Ravic Huso Ambassador of the United States of America
Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environment Grants Ceremony
Settha Palace Hotel
December 13, 2007

Excellencies Professor Dr. Bountiem Phissamay,President of the Science, Technology and Environment Agency; and Professor Dr. Somkot Mangnomek, Minister of Education; Mr. Kissana Vongsay, Managing Director of Lao Brewery Company and President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Jeffery Eggen, Asia Pacific Regional Manager, Ford Motor Company; and Mr. Christophe Felix, Country Manager, RM Asia Laos Company, LTD;

Distinguished guests. Ladies and gentlemen.

It is both and honor and pleasure for me to participate in the third annual Ford Motor Company ceremony to present Conservation and Environmental Grants.

These grants, totaling $20,000, are one important way that the Ford Company
is supporting the protection of the environment– a critically important challenge to all countries and societies.

I am certain that these grants will provide valuable encouragement to the efforts of Lao citizens and organizations to undertake projects to protect the environment as well as to promote awareness among young Lao of the need to be good stewards or protectors of the world in which we all must live.

The nine grants that will soon be awarded will go to  projects in two broad categories:
those projects that aim to conserve the plants and animals of Laos and protect their habitats, and environmental projects specifically involving young people aged 18 or under.

The beauty and richness of the natural environment is an important part of Laos’ heritage.

For that reason alone, it should be carefully protected. At the same time, natural resources must also be used-- in a sustainable manner – in support of poverty alleviation and economic development. 

Ford’s commitment to both conservation and sustainable development, illustrates the recognition that corporations as well as governments and individuals – play a key direct role in creating the global environment that future generations will inherit.

A famous American songwriter once wrote:

“There is no more new frontier, and we have got to make it here.”

His message was clear: Our world has shrunk as our populations and economies have grown. People can no longer ignore, or destroy, or pollute their environment knowing that they can move on to a new land – a new frontier.

We have no choice but to recognize that we are responsible – and we must act to fulfill our responsibilities.

The nine recipients of the tonight’s awards have done exactly that:  they have acted to make the world a better place.

Laos is currently enjoying strong economic growth. That growth need not come

at the expense of the environment. Laos can and should take actions to both grow the economy and preserve its natural resources. For example, development of hydropower resources is not just a question of damming rivers. For the dams to function, the watersheds on which  rivers depend must also be protected.

I commend the Lao government’s efforts to enforce strong measures to protect the environment through protection and sustainable management of its forests,  through combating the illegal trade in wildlife, and through enforcing standards and regulations against industrial pollution of the land, air and water.

I also, once again, commend the Ford Company’s commitment to supporting future Lao leaders who are devoting themselves to the environment. I am proud to see an American company in the lead on this issue.

Finally, I congratulate this year’s recipients on their achievements to date
and wish them success in reaching their goals.

Thank you.