MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
McMullan
Australia is working with Mekong countries to address the impacts of climate change.
The Australian Government is providing $450,000 to support a climate change partnership between the CSIRO and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
The partnership will develop climate change prevention and adaptation strategies, with a focus on addressing threats to food security in the Mekong Basin, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
'The research will see the CSIRO and the Mekong River Commission joining forces to better understand the potential impacts of climate change on the Mekong Basin,' said Bob McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance.
'The people of the Mekong Basin are very reliant on water resources for agriculture and fisheries. In fact, the Mekong Basin is one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world. Understanding how to mitigate and adapt to climate change is crucial to maintaining productivity and protecting livelihoods.'
'This research partnership will strengthen the skills and knowledge of the Mekong River Commission and the governments of the Mekong Basin as they meet the challenges of climate change,' said Mr McMullan. 'Informed responses to the impacts of climate change are crucial to protect hard won development gains the Mekong region has achieved in recent years.'
AusAID works with partners, including the MRC, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, to improve water resource management across the Mekong Basin.
Australian assistance is building effective institutions, scientific knowledge and planning for water resource management. With the MRC, this includes support for a major program to build scientific and technical skills in the four Mekong countries.
Media Contacts:
Sabina Curatolo 0400 318 205
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590