Asian Mega-Deltas Initiative highlights innovations for local-led adaptation and resilience in the 4th Gobeshona Global Conference

The fourth annual Gobeshona Global Conference, organized by the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, recently concluded with a strong focus on monitoring Locally-Led Adaptation (LLA) and resilience. The event aimed to connect local and international researchers, scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, rallying support for local communities’ efforts to tackle climate change and monitor their progress.

The CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Delta’s (AMD) organized a virtual session to address the challenges faced by the Asian mega-deltas. Experts from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), WorldFish, and United International University (UIU) convened to deliberate on research, technology, and innovations aimed at transforming the agriculture sector. The overarching goal was to enhance climate and livelihood resilience across the Asian mega-deltas, with key studies presented during this session focused on supporting resilient, inclusive, and productive deltas.

The session showcased three papers, each shedding light on critical issues and presenting innovative solutions:

• The participatory Climate Smart Mapping for Adaptation Planning (CS-MAP) approach holds promise for adaptation planning in the delta regions. Ms. Vu Hong Trang, Associate Scientist at IRRI Vietnam, presented this study, which offers potential for effective use in the deltas.
• Mr. Hazrat Ali, Senior Research Analyst at WorldFish – Bangladesh and South Asia Office, shared insights on mitigating climate change impacts through an integrated aquaculture agricultural system in southern Bangladesh. The study aimed to address the challenges faced in the region.
• Dr. Hamidul Huq, Professor at IDSS-UIU Bangladesh, delved into the issues surrounding water management in coastal polders of Bangladesh. The study called for a rethinking of governance and institutional issues, essential for addressing the water management challenges effectively.

 
Key takeaways from the session highlight the imperative to promote and scale up successful activities like CS-MAP, emphasize collaborative efforts among CG centers and counterpart organizations, and focus on policy recommendations for institutional changes enhancing coastal water governance and technological development to address cross-cutting research issues.

The session is moderated by Dr. Dr Ahmad Salahuddin, scientist at IRRI Bangladesh.

To learn more about these research activities, you can watch the full session: