We are pleased to announce that the Center for Southeast Asia Environment and Sustainable Development has been established at Buffalo State College as a special initiative of the Research Foundation. The Center’s mission is to improve the understanding of complex environmental and development issues facing Southeast Asia by fostering multidisciplinary, international collaboration in research, education, and capacity building.

Why such a Center? Southeast Asia is a region of fascinating and diverse cultures and history as well as a region of economic contrasts. The economies of many Southeast Asian countries are growing dramatically, but in countries such as Laos and Cambodia, between 70% and 80% of the population live on less than $2 per day. There is growing pressure to exploit regional natural resources in support of the economic growth and the concurrent environmental impact of such exploitation can be significant. Frequently, it is the marginalized component of the population that bears the brunt of the environmental degradation, and capacity building to empower such populations is important. Buffalo State College faculty already are conducting studies in Southeast Asia related to the U.N. Millennium Development Goals of improved access to clean drinking water and appropriate sanitation, food security, basic health care, and sustainable development. No other university program in the U.S. systematically assesses environmental issues and sustainable development for the Southeast Asian region.

The Center will act as a catalyst to increase externally-funded research, providing a focus and building on existing Buffalo State College activities in Southeast Asia. This research will be multidisciplinary in nature, recognizing the importance of integrating science and social science in addressing the environment and sustainable development. It is expected that the Center’s research activities will integrate local community concerns, and have a clear element of outreach and capacity building. This capacity building must appreciate local culture and consider development and application of appropriate technology. The research programs also will involve Buffalo State College students and provide them with international experience that will enable them to participate in the global economy.

In the next few weeks, the Center’s website will be launched and it will describe ongoing and planned activities. Questions regarding the Center can be addressed to Kim Irvine, Department of Geography and Planning, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 716-878-6204.