Action to reduce the vulnerabilities of coastal systems in the event of a natural hazard is pushing forward as ADPC initiated Research and Development Programs for the Nilwala Basin in Sri Lanka and for the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam. These initiatives, supported by AusAID, aim to mainstream climate information application in order to enhance agricultural ecosystem services and functions.

The initiatives are part of the Global Development Program on Enhanced Ecosystem services for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in coastal areas and River Basins "Coastal river basins are often heavily exploited or destroyed by human activities, resulting in pollution. This Project aims to enhance agricultural ecosystems, protecting them from climate change associated disasters and allowing them to preform their functions and services, such as providing clean waters, clean air, and clean soil. These changes have the potential to positively impact communities" Dr. Senaka Basnayake, Department Head and Senior Climatologist from ADPC remarked.

The project initiation workshop in Nilwala River Basin, conducted at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Ruhuna on 19 December 2012, boasted more than 60 stakeholder participants. Mr. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Minister of Agriculture, Development and Agrarian Services, attended as guest of honor.At the inauguration, Minister Abeywardana pointed out that “even though we talk much about climate change and its associated problems, the actions so far taken by us for preparedness is inadequate. There is a strong need for increased awareness to meet with never experienced challenges on climate hazards”. He recalled the severe flood incident, which occurred in Kurunegala, District, Sri Lanka in 2012, “We should arm ourselves with new knowledge and adaptation tools to withstand the situation”.

Mr. Abeywardana then congratulated the ADPC, AUSAID and the University of Ruhuna for joining hands to shoulder these global challenges.For more information on ADPC’s work in coastal areas and River Basins contact, Dr. Senaka Basnayake at senaka_basnayake@adpc.net