The international River Delta Conference on the challenges in flood risk management in urban areas of river deltas in South and South East Asia gathered more than 70 experts and government officials in a round-table discussion in Bangkok on 6 - 7 November 2013.

The focus of the conference included a number of river deltas in the region including the Mekong, the Chao Phraya, the Irrawaddy, and the Ganges-Brahmaputra Meghna.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary H.E. Mrs. Katja Nordgaard of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Thailand stressed the importance of preventive action in all countries located in delta areas.

"Increasingly large settlements and business activities are located in vulnerable low-land delta areas. Vulnerability is growing in these areas caused by rapid urbanization, more rain, and a rising sea level. No government can escape from taking concrete preventive action", she stated.

Continuing the informal collaboration

In the official statement signed by many of the conference delegates, it was called for the continuing of an informal cooperation network for delta flood risk management to share lessons learned and best practices.

In the statement, the delegates recognized the devastating impacts of the recent flood events in the delta areas of the region as well as the challenges that the changing climate and rapid urbanization are creating for long-term flood risk management.

The delegates affirmed that multi-country cooperation has significant potential in order to share successful strategies, sound practices, and new opportunities for flood risk management in the delta areas.

"I hope this conference will provide a basis to build lasting and rewarding relationships among the participants", said Prof. Dr. Krasae Chanawongse, Executive Director of Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC).

The conference was co-organized by ADPC and Wilton Park, with support from the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA-Norway).