November 2010: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the WorldFish Center have released a research report on “Climate Change, Water and Agriculture in the Greater Mekong Subregion.”

The report reviews the status and trends in water management in the Greater Mekong Subregion, focusing on likely impacts of climate change on water resources to 2050. It identifies priority actions to improve resilience of the water sector and safeguard food production. The report notes that climate change is only one of many factors influencing water availability. It highlights that there are no clear regional trends for rainfall or water availability, stressing the need to take a “no regrets” approach to water management, with actions aiming to improve water productivity and access and to reduce water-related risks. The report stresses the need to consider strategies for improving rain-fed systems and integrating management of freshwater fisheries. The paper considers proposed hydropower developments in the Mekong, underscoring opportunities for irrigation development in Lower Mekong countries. IWMI and the WorldFish Center are members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [The Report]