Lessons from implementing adaptation plans in the Lower Mekong Basin

This report targets government agencies and donors who would like to know what adaptation activities reduce vulnerability in order to help scale such activities. The report also targets project implementers so that they are aware of the various barriers and enabling factors that can influence successful implementation of adaptation projects. Droughts are common in Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia. However, countries such as Thailand and Lao PDR also face the threat of high levels of precipitation and flooding while Vietnam is also threatened by sea level rise and salinity.

The publication proposes government and donors the following adaptation activities (p. 1-2):

• Livelihood diversification or modification to adapt to climate change is the most common strategy among farmers across the USAID Mekong ARCC sites.
• Water infrastructure to improve water distribution, storage and quality is a promising way to combat drought and heavy rainfall.
• Forests control water flows, reduce landslides, improve soil condition, and provide nontimber
  forest products, which can help adapt to effects of climate change.
• Establishing early warning systems can reduce potential climatic disasters.