Publication

Over the past few decades, the countries in the Lower Mekong Basin have witnessed a number of natural disasters. The assessment from the Mekong River Commission (MRC) on impacts of climate change and development in the Mekong flow regimes released in 2009 indicates that countries in the Mekong region are predicted to face difficulties concerning various forms of impacts from climate change. The results are similar to other scientific studies and climate models, which point out a wide range of anticipated impacts of climate change in the region. These include changing of temperature and rainfall patterns, sea level rise, increased intensity of storms, floods and droughts. Introduction

These impacts would affect the economy and development of the riparian countries as well as the people’s way of life and livelihoods. Eventually, these would be contributing factors to exacerbate poverty and impeding the efforts to improve quality of life. Moreover, impacts of climate change do not lie within each sovereign national boundary. Thus, there is a need to exchange knowledge, experience, approaches on planning and implementation of adaptation to climate change, in order to benefit all the lives depending on the Mekong.

In the Lower Mekong Basin, there have been efforts from various organisations concerning climate change adaptation planning and implementation. These activities are carried out by government agencies, international organisations, local-based organisations as well as the vulnerable communities themselves. The MRC has developed the Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative in order to assist the riparian countries in adaptation planning and implementation. Demonstration activities are one of the key activities aiming at building capacities through a learning and knowledge and experience sharing process involving local communities and local wisdom.