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Physical Climate Risk Assessment and Improved Climate Resilience of Coffee Production Supply Chains in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Physical Climate Risk Assessment and Improved Climate Resilience of Coffee Production Supply Chains in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Client: &Green/ Sail Ventures  |   Duration:  December 2023June 2024 |   Location: Vietnam

The Central Highlands accounts for 91.2% of growing area and 93.2% of production of coffee in Viet Nam. Lam Dong is one of two provinces with the largest coffee growing area and the highest production, and had the highest yield of 3.31 tons per ha, which was 17.1% higher than the average yield of the five provinces.

Coffee production in the Central Highlands faces several challenges, such as excessive use of inorganic fertilizers, improper irrigation practices, and soil degradation. In the past 10 years, natural hazards, including drought, flood, frost and soil erosion, and climate change had a negative impact on coffee production. The projected increase in dry season rainfall is likely to affect flowering patterns, possibly affecting pollination success. With rising temperatures (especially during the dry season), coffee lands that were optimal for production 20 years ago may now become less suitable. Higher temperatures put stress on the plant, reduce photosynthesis and yield, and increase the susceptibility to pests and diseases.

In addition, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) enacted by the European Union (EU) came into force on 29 June 2023. It prohibits the import of seven commodities (and some of their derivatives), including coffee, if the production of these commodities is linked to deforestation. Meeting EUDR requirements is high on the agenda of the Government of Viet Nam. Shortly after the EUDR came into force, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) enacted the Action Plan Framework for EUDR Compliance.

Within this context, […]

Accelerating Climate Resilience in Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment

Accelerating Climate Resilience in Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment 

Client: Government of the Philippines, ADB, ADB, Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, and Agence Francaise de Developpement  |   Duration:  July 2023March 2024 |   Location: Philippines |   Partners: NIRAS, SEARCA

Climate change is having a detrimental impact on the Philippines, particularly on its agriculture, natural resources, and environment. Between 2010-2020, climate-related disasters resulted insignificant costs, amounting to PhP 506.1 billion (US$10 billion) for the Philippine government. Of this total, the agriculture sector accounted for 68% of the damages. The production of food isnegatively affected due to various factors, including loss of suitable land due to coastal submersion, shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, changes in water resources, alterations in soil characteristics, and shifts in pest and disease profiles. Additionally, climate change is exacerbating the detrimental impacts of unsustainable resource utilization on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This includes alterations in forest cover, biodiversity loss, saltwater intrusion in rivers and estuaries, and the deterioration of mangroves and coral reefs. All of these changes are impairing the ability of ecosystems to provide essential services for sustaining life.

To address these climate-related challenges and implement national climate policies, including the Nationally Determined Contributions of the country, the Philippine government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have initiated the Climate Change Action Program (CCAP). This program focuses on adaptation in highly vulnerable sectors like agriculture, natural resources, and the environment, as well as mitigation in emissions-intensive sectors like energy and transportation. The CCAP program is centered on three key areas:

  • i. Strengthening planning, financing, and institutional connections for climate action.
  • ii. […]

Preparation of the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Project in Maldives

Preparation of the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Project in Maldives   

Client: ADB and MoECCT |   Duration:  June 2023December 2024 |   Location: Maldives |   Partners: EPOCH

Maldives’ physical vulnerability and limited adaptive capacity combined with a reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as tourism, fisheries and subsistence farming puts the country at high risk to adverse consequences of climate change. The country faces natural hazards including coastal erosion, rainfall flooding, storm surges, tsunamis and strong winds. Climate modelling shows a consistent upward trend in warming and rainfall and a likelihood of more frequent and intense extreme weather events. While coral reefs protect island communities to some extent, the majority of the country’s critical infrastructure is very close to the coast and vulnerable to storms and swells. Economic losses due to climate change are estimated at 2.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2050 and 12.6% of GDP by 2100.

To overcome these challenges, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology are developing an investment project focused on climate change adaptation and resilience. The investment project is intended to fill the current gaps in adaptive capacity through the implementation of a comprehensive, integrated approach that reduces flood risk, strengthens early-warning systems and improves agri-food resilience. The project will have three outputs:

  1. Capacity and awareness to plan, adapt and respond to climate change strengthened
  2. Infrastructure for urban flood protection and nature-based solutions developed
  3. Solutions for improved resilience of islands agri-food system introduced

The ICEM-EPOCH Joint Venture has been commissioned by ADB to develop and prepare the proposed investment project for climate change adaptation and resilience in line with ADB and […]

Assessing the potential of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure for increasing water security and flood and drought resilience in selected watersheds

Assessing the potential of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure for increasing water security and flood and drought resilience in selected watersheds

Client: The World Bank (WB)   |   Duration:  November 2022 – May 2023 |   Location: Cambodia

The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) is committed to improving the country’s water security. The National Water Resource Management and Sustainable Irrigation Strategy and Long-term Investment Plan (2019-2033) lays out the long-term vision and investment and institutional development plan for integrated water resources management and sustainable irrigation services with a total estimated investment of up to US$2.6 billion.

The World Bank (WB) is supporting the RGC to increase water security by preparing the Cambodia Water Security Improvement Project (CWSIP) (WB: P176615). The project is intended to support the RGC in implementing the strategic plan for improving water security at the river basin, water system and community levels. Increasing water security will require a comprehensive approach addressing long-term and short-term needs simultaneously, looking at both supply and demand issues, and placing greater emphasis on balancing water sustainability, efficiency and equity by considering economic, social and environmental aspects. An integrated approach looking at upstream and downstream solutions, including river infrastructure, nature-based solutions  (NBS), green infrastructure  (GI) and improved watershed and natural resources management, will be required to achieve this objective effectively and sustainably increase water security.

The “Assessing the potential of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure for increasing water security and flood and drought resilience in selected watersheds” assignment will support the CWSIP, Component 1 preparation by identifying NBS options to increase climate, flood, and drought resilience.

ICEM’s project team is providing the following services: Activity 1 will assess flood and drought risks in selected parts […]

Assessment of Needs and Opportunities to Improve Ecosystem Resilience and Sustainable Tourism in Fiji

Assessment of Needs and Opportunities to Improve Ecosystem Resilience and Sustainable Tourism in Fiji

Client: PROBLUE, The World Bank (WB)   |   Partners:  Marine Ecology Consulting |   Duration:  March 2022 – February 2023 |   Location: Fiji

Fiji faces unique challenges – being far from major markets, geographically fragmented and among the world’s most vulnerable to climate change. At the same time, Fiji has unique opportunities presented by the Blue Economy in sectors such as tourism and fisheries. With long stretches of sandy beaches, tropical forests and extensive coral reefs, Fiji often ranks as the most popular tourist destination out of all Pacific Island Countries. Tourism is the primary export earner, contributing approximately 34% to GDP in 2018.[1] Despite the impacts of COVID-19, which have threatened businesses, livelihoods and economic growth, the country remains committed to tourism due to its importance to national economies and jobs.[2]

The nation’s marine, coastal and terrestrial resources are the foundation of culture, livelihoods and economic sectors such as tourism in Fiji, and yet these essential natural assets are under threat from uncontrolled land development, deforestation, overfishing and marine resource exploitation, pollution through agricultural and industrial wastes, and the spread of invasive species.[3]

The tourism sector contributes to the degradation of the natural assets it relies upon through destructive coastal developments, pollution, and unsustainable use of water, energy and other resources. The costs of natural hazard-induced disasters to the natural environment and the tourism sector are also likely to increase over the coming decades due to the impacts of climate change.

Acknowledging the urgency of responding to these challenges, the Pacific Ocean Advisory Program was initiated by the World Bank with […]

World Bank Strengthening resilience of the road and drainage network in Nepal’s secondary cities

PROGRESS UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2022

ICEM in partnership with GEOCE is implementing the World Bank Strengthening resilience of the road and drainage network in Nepal’s secondary cities project. The main objectives of the project are to (i) address challenges in planning, design and quality of road infrastructure in Nepal’s urban areas, (ii) support Pokhara and Urlabari municipalities in strengthening the linkages between road design, asset management, and risk and hazard mapping, (iii) contribute towards safeguarding the quality and sustainability of infrastructure investments under the World Bank’s Nepal Urban Governance and Infrastructure Project (NUGIP).

Throughout the first 10 months of the project a participatory approach has been successfully used to (i) build the capacity of Pokhara municipal engineers in hazard mapping and (ii) to obtain the most accurate and localised information on infrastructure and potential risks based on past experience and expert judgement concerning future impacts and hazards. This data forms a foundational part of the web-based Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for Pokhara (the first of its kind in Nepal), of which the draft version is anticipated by end of October. The project has received outstanding support from the Pokhara Mayor and CAO as well as active engagement from the municipal engineers, and with the continued strong support from NUGIP over the coming years the RAMS has solid potential to transform the maintenance and planning of road and drainage infrastructure from a reactive to a proactive approach.

Activity 1: Road and drainage asset management system with full integration of risk and hazard data for Pokhara

A key component of the project is to develop a web-based Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for Pokhara, including the integration of climate and disaster […]

By |2022-09-30T16:10:25+07:00September 30th, 2022|Adaptation news, Blog, Nepal news, News|0 Comments

Strengthening resilience of the road and drainage network in Nepal’s secondary cities

Strengthening resilience of the road and drainage network in Nepal’s secondary cities

Client: The World Bank (WB)   |   Partners: GEOCE Consultants |   Duration:  November 2021 – December 2022 |   Location: Nepal

Nepal is one of the ten least urbanised countries in the world – yet it is also one of the top ten fastest urbanising countries. Urban growth is uneven across the country and occurs more rapidly in the Kathmandu Valley, the Pokhara Valley, and the Inner Terai valleys. Nepal’s secondary cities are vital centres for regional commerce, services and social integration. However, they lack appropriate planning systems, geospatial data and the associated analyses important for local planners to understand how best to meet current needs, address disaster and climate risks, and plan for resilient growth.

Rapid urbanisation and economic growth have dramatically increased vehicle ownership in Nepal and put significant strain on the expanding road infrastructure in cities and towns across the country. The Department of Roads (DoR) reports that an additional 7,500 miles of new paved, gravel or dirt roads were constructed between 2017 and 2018, however, much of this road development has come at the cost of increased traffic congestion, increased emissions, and air, noise and water pollution, including from expanding vehicle service centres.

According to DoR, one of the main causes of road accidents is road design; including very steep gradients, lack of safety features, poor road conditions and poorly planned local road construction. In addition to the governance, design and planning issues, frequent natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes and landslides and the effects of climate change, including an increase in precipitation, are aggravating the impacts on urban road and drainage infrastructure.

In response to the above challenges, The World Bank has commissioned ICEM and GEOCE to implement […]

Building Resilience to Saline Intrusion in the Mekong Delta

Building Resilience to Saline Intrusion in the Mekong Delta

Client: The World Bank    |   Duration:  May 2021-March 2022 |   Location: Vietnam

The rural communities of the Mekong Delta region inhabit Vietnam’s largest and most productive agricultural area. The region’s enormous agriculture productivity is highly dependent on the delta’s abundance of fresh water in the wet season. However, during the dry season accessing clean water for domestic purposes has always been challenging because when the Mekong is in low flow, some seawater tends to flow naturally into the river.

In recent years this natural inflow of seawater has been reaching further into the river and the groundwater beneath it, and staying longer due to a number of influences. These include increased demand for water for dry season agriculture, hydropower, sand mining and land subsidence. Looking into the future, there are concerns that climate change will make the situation even worse.

The initiative Building Resilience to Saline Intrusion in the Mekong Delta aims to assess the current status of the rural domestic water supply sector, analyze impacts of saline intrusion and other climate-related hazards, develop tools to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation factors into sector development and recommend interventions to strengthen resilience in the sector.

The results will inform the design and implementation of infrastructure and non-infrastructure investments and build adaptive capacity of domestic water supply in the Vietnam Mekong Delta.

Specific activities:

Conducting a Delta Wide Situation analysis of water supply capacity vs. demands, water source availability vs. water quality, existing water management systems, hazard mapping and hazard projection against climate change scenarios for the period 2030 – 2050.

Undertaking Vulnerability Assessments of domestic […]

Disaster Risk and Resilience Analysis in Watersheds in Lao PDR

Disaster Risk and Resilience Analysis in Watersheds in Lao PDR

Client: The World Bank    |   Partners: National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI)   |   Duration:  January 2021-September 2021  |   Location: Lao PDR

Lao PDR is home to rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems, boasting one of the largest areas of intact forest ecosystems in Asia. Lao’s landscapes, and the livelihoods which depend on them, are facing increasing threats due to land-use changes, impacts of natural hazards, and climate change. Accordingly, the Government of Lao PDR recognizes the importance of protecting natural resources, disaster risk management and resilience building.

ICEM is supporting Lao PDR and key partner Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with analysis of hazards and vulnerability, and identifying green, hybrid (green/grey), and non-structural solutions for enhancing disaster resilience of agricultural and forest production systems in targeted watersheds. The information base developed will support investments under the larger ‘Lao Landscapes and Livelihoods Project’.

Specific activities:

Mapping and analysis of the exposure and vulnerability of key natural and socio-economic assets to natural hazards in selected watersheds.

Participatory analysis and prioritization of green, hybrid and non-structural solutions for enhancing resilience of rural infrastructure, livelihoods and people in the watersheds.

Analysis of technical feasibility, adaptation effectiveness and cost-benefits of prioritized resilience building measures.

Knowledge share events and training for stakeholders in disaster risk planning and integrated landscape management.

 

Photo: Pxhere.com

Technical Assessments on Value Driven Agricultural Resilience to Climate Change

Technical Assessments on Value Driven Agricultural Resilience to Climate Change About: Market driven approaches can provide an important route for strengthening resilience to climate change in agriculture. The project seeks to identify and assess climate-resilient high-value agricultural products that can be linked to local markets and/or global standards such as Geographical Indication (GI), Global Good Agricultural Practices (Global GAP), organic Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) and others. This approach goes beyond narrow, farm-specific interventions, involving a range of value chain actors, including consumers, based on shared interest in producing, processing, marketing and consuming high quality and safe products that be certified as more resilient and sustainable.

Towards this goal, ICEM is undertaking an integrated climate risk and market opportunity assessment for selected high-value agricultural products in the Koshi River Basin in Nepal and the Northern Tonle Sap region of Cambodia. Specific emphasis is placed on value chains with potential to access higher-value markets through certification and the adoption of international best practice. Other project activities includes gap analysis in terms of the value chain’s systemic, institutional and individual capacity, technology and information needs as well as barrier analysis in terms of information access, particularly in relation to consumer demands for safe and high-quality food.

Outputs will include: Assessment of high value or high-quality product value chains in target regions that can be linked to local markets and/or global standards Feasibility report for developing and scaling up value-driven resilience to climate change via climate finance Feasibility report on consumer-based mechanisms for food safety as part of the market-based approach, including methods to overcome barriers to information access Conceptual framework for value-driven agricultural resilience to climate change drawing on lessons learned and […]

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