The two co-chairs of the Asia-Pacific assessment for the IPBES implore us to reduce and reverse biodiversity and ecosystem degradation for the future of the environment and ourselves.
A decade of research shows that partnering with communities is vital if we are to meet growing food needs, while preserving the environment in two of the world’s largest river deltas. This is especially true in the face of climate change.
“Biodiversity – the essential variety of life forms on Earth – continues to decline in every region of the world, significantly reducing nature’s capacity to contribute to people’s well-being,” says the latest Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report.
Coffee is a major export of Vietnam, but the highlands where about 40% of the coffee is grown, is experiencing water shortages in the dry season. Research has found that yields can be increased while decreasing water consumption, and irrigation practices can be improved.
This World Water Day, the theme of which is ‘Nature for Water’, WorldFish and IWMI, key partners in the CGIAR FISH, reflect on how improved dam operation and reservoir management can mitigate the often negative impacts of large dams on natural fish stocks.
In an era of rampant land development and increasing climate unpredictability, the world is growing used to alarming images of flooded city streets. But cities can combat these floods by turning themselves into "sponge cities".
By Ignacio Ortinez of estudioOCA and Matthew McCartney and Priyanie Amerasinghe of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Urban floods cost billions of dollars per year and seem to be happening with increased frequency. "Sponge cities," which harness the absorbent power of wetlands can combat flooding and improve urban life.
Myanmar Times: One of the world’s greatest rivers is under threat from unregulated activities in riparian countries. These acts disrupt the river’s flow and break down its food chains, experts cautioned. Livelihoods of more than 70 million people living along the Mekong River could be affected.
By Linh Tong. The latest Greater Mekong Forum on Water, Food and Energy took place from October 25-27 in Yangon, Myanmar. This forum is the biggest annual affair aiming to raise awareness and share research-based knowledge about sustainable development in the Greater Mekong region among NGOs, policymakers, private entities, and development agencies.
How many different ways can you measure a river? By its length and how many countries it passes through? The volume of water flowing along its course? The number of species it supports? Marc Goichot of WWF reports on the Greater Mekong Forum on Water, Food and Energy.
In response to problems that have come about related to water resources and ecosystem services in the Red River basin, one project has combined high level technical approaches, including remote sensing data, with citizen science in order to pilot more holistic solutions.
In the Mekong Delta, intensive farming practices have taken their toll on fish and aquatic populations. Farmers are working with researchers to try and reverse this worrying trend.