The Mekong Subregion – Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam – is not only host to the fastest growing economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but is also rich in natural resources and biodiversity and has a culturally diverse urban population. Returns from the continued economic growth have raised incomes and improved people’s well-being, but have also resulted in many environmental challenges. Although progress has been made, it has proved difficult to effectively integrate economic, environmental, and social objectives in pursuing sustainable development in the region. A combination of factors such as climate change, disasters, and low adaptive capacity are posing challenges to meeting the increased food demand.
by Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, Michikazu Kojima, Ellen Putri Edita, Hendro Putra Johannes, and Dian Lutfiana