Sustaining opium reduction in Southeast Asia

Sharing experiences on alternative development and beyond

• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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17 August 2009Since 1998 opium production in Southeast Asia has declined by some 67% from 1,437 tons in 1998 to 469 tons in 2007. The area under cultivation has also declined by over 80% from 158,230 hectares to 29,200 hectares during the same period. These significant results have been achieved through alternative development efforts beginning first in Thailand from the 1970s. This was followed by other alternative development efforts in Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.  Vietnam, Thailand and Laos marked their success in significantly eliminating opium poppy in 2000, 2003 and 2006 respectively. 
 
However there has been a 26% increase in opium poppy cultivating areas in South East Asia from 2006 to 2009. The global economic crisis has resulted in plummeting commodity prices that has coincided with increases in the price of opium. These two levers are contributing to a resurgence of opium production that is threatening to undermine years of success.  This is compounded by other geo political as well as trans-boundary threats. Unchecked the situation could spiral out of control and could undermine stability, security, trade and development as well as efforts to eliminate poverty and achieve the millennium development goals. 
 
More than ever before there is a need for a global partnership as well as expanded alternative development efforts to sustain opium elimination. There is a need for Governments, donors and alternative development practitioners to seek comprehensive as well as efficient and effective policies, strategies and programmes to sustain opium
elimination while ensuring a life of dignity for the vulnerable communities that used to be dependant on opium. It is important that opportunities to eliminate poverty and also ensure sustainable human development processes are accessible to these communities.