Mekong Subregion (GMS) activities leading to increased transborder trade and investment activities. But poverty and inequality as well as transboundary environmental degradation need pressing attention. Ecosystem services and local development. Local development in rural and peri-urban settings is often greatly affected by the condition of ecosystems and the services they provide. Research and policy-oriented assessments are needed to help maintain and improve ecosystem services throughout the Mekong region to ensure the well-being of societies and households who derive their livelihoods from natural resources. SUMERNET Phase III is being supported by Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). See also References External links Environmental research institutes Greater Mekong Subregion Environmental organizations based in Thailand Sustainability organizations Organizations based in Bangkok Thailand