The purpose of the project is to undertake a climate change impact and vulnerability assessment of the Mekong River Basin wetlands and provide adaptation recommendations and options.
To achieve this requires developing a solid scientific evidence base and rapid spatial assessment methodology for climate change vulnerability assessments of natural systems. The assessment will show the process and benefits of a geo-spatial approach to wetland vulnerability assessments, allowing the transfer of scientific findings to the sub-basin and basin levels, increasing the assessments influence in planning structures at these levels.
A key output of the project is that scientists and planners increase their ability to ‘up-scale’ functional climate change wetland responses other wetlands of the same type. The project approach was to define wetlands in accordance with international best-practice, to better integrate hydro-metrological impacts of climate change on wetlands and the livelihoods of the millions of people who rely on them.
MRC member countries previously took part in a pilot project, to build capacity for climate change vulnerability assessments within national agencies responsible for natural resource management and implementing climate change adaptation planning. Government staff received on-the job training and participated in components of the assessment.
The assessment had four main objectives:
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Provide a detailed understanding of the implications of climate change to the health and function of wetlands in the Mekong basin
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Develop an evidence base to systematize characteristics of vulnerability for different wetland types
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Develop methodological framework for assessing climate change vulnerability of wetlands
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Build capacity of MRC member country line agencies analytical and management capabilities
Report Series
> View and download the Rapid climate change assessment for wetland biodiversity: Guidelines
The three vulnerability assessment tools shown in the Guideline’s annex can be downloaded with this report:
