Foundational Knowledge Exchanges on Nature-Based Solutions Across the Mekong Region

These events laid the groundwork to build regional relationships, establish a shared understanding of local challenges, and begin shaping program priorities across the Mekong region.

In each country, representatives from government, universities, research institutions, local community coalitions, international agencies and development partners came together to share experiences and explore nature-based solutions (NbS) to manage the impacts of climate change and rapid urban development. Across the region, missions paired high-level knowledge-sharing workshops with targeted stakeholder meetings and site visits to potential project locations.

Knowledge exchange in Cambodia

In Cambodia, representatives from government, academia, community coalitions, and international development agencies gathered to discuss opportunities for nature-based solutions and climate resilience. The discussions focused on addressing the pressures of rapid, unplanned urbanisation, rising pollution levels, and the protection of peri-urban and agricultural areas. Participants emphasised the need for demonstration and pilot projects, enabling policy frameworks, and collaborative information-sharing across the private sector, community groups, and government.

Knowledge exchange in Thailand

The Thai Knowledge Exchange brought together local and international stakeholders to discuss Thai experiences with NbS and water-sensitive urban design. The event featured keynote presentations from Dr. Nareerat Panmanee (Director of Management Coordination Division, Climate Change, ONEP), Nicole Lowry (Second Secretary, DFAT), and WSCA leadership. Alongside discussions on overcoming funding and policy barriers to green-blue infrastructure, the mission included working with the Australian Embassy in Bangkok and visiting potential case study sites.

Knowledge exchange in Lao PDR

The event in Lao PDR gathered local experts and executives to deepen their technical understanding of nature-based solutions. Officially opened by Australia’s Deputy Ambassador to Lao, Mr. Dan Heldon, the knowledge exchange focused on localised strategies for managing urban water systems and enhancing climate resilience. The mission featured stakeholder engagement with government representatives and international development partners, as well as field visits to assess potential case study sites in both Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Knowledge exchange in Vietnam

The Vietnam event covered both Hanoi and Can Tho, bringing together local experts and municipal stakeholders to explore NbS applications suited to Vietnam’s urban contexts. The event was opened by Mr. James Deane, Second Secretary Development from the Australian Embassy in Hanoi. In addition to technical exchange workshops, the team engaged in strategic discussions with government representatives, international development agencies, university partners and multilateral organisations, accompanied by field visits to potential case study sites in both northern and delta regions.