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2 April 2008
Australia to help Laos tackle climate change
Australia will provide US$409,600 to investigate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Basin.
The Australian Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance announced the initiative today in Phnom Penh.
The Australian Ambassador to Laos, Dr Michele Forster said the funding would be provided through Australia’s international aid agency, AusAID.
“The funding will be provided through AusAID which will partner with premier scientific research organisation, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Mekong River Commission to develop climate change prevention and adaptation strategies, with a focus on addressing threats to food security,” Dr Forster said.
“The Mekong Basin is one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world and communities rely on the Basin for their livelihoods through agriculture and fisheries. Understanding how to mitigate and adapt to climate change is critical to maintaining productivity and protecting livelihoods.
“The research gathered will strengthen the skills and knowledge of the Mekong River Commission and the governments of the Mekong Basin as they endeavour to meet the challenges of climate change.
“Informed responses to the impacts of climate change are crucial to protect hard-won development gains the Mekong region has achieved in recent years,” Dr Forster said.
Australia’s international development agency, AusAID works across the Mekong sub-region to improve water resource management along the Mekong River.
Australian assistance is building effective institutions, scientific knowledge and planning for water resource management. With the Mekong River Commission, this includes support for a major program to build scientific and technical skills in the four Mekong countries.
Media Contact: Simon Buckley, First Secretary (Water Resources), Tel: 021 413 600