Regional Conference on Natural Resources Management

Background
Natural resources are vital to the achievement of sustainable development goals from the local to the global level. They are a major pillar, supporting economic, environmental and human well-being. However, much of the natural resources worldwide are under mounting threats that undermine their sustainability and capacity to provide livelihood opportunities, mitigate natural disasters and loss of lives and properties, and promote a healthy environment. In the years ahead, the influences on natural resources coming from regional and global phenomena including international trade, the booming economies of China and India, and climate change could vitally complicate the already complex interactions of the various factors driving change in natural resources.

Objectives
The conference is designed primarily to provide a venue for taking stock of what knowledge systems, tools and best practices are applicable to the Southeast Asian region for assessing the impacts of
international trade, climate change, poor governance, and other stressors on natural resources, and for devising appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and increase the
ability to capitalize on new opportunities. Specifically, the conference aims to promote sharing of information and experiences on natural resource management, with focus on water and food security; identify priority advocacy, research and development agenda, and policy actions to promote sustainability of natural resources; and identify capacity-building needs (financial, institutional, information) in relation to the threats to and opportunities in NRM.

Features of the Conference
Organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and partners, the conference will feature six key paper presentations and six discussion paper
presentations in plenary along three major themes: (1) Regional Context: Uniqueness of the Region and Its Influences on the Natural Resources Management; (2) Interpreting and Using Results of Global
and Regional Assessments: Experiences and Challenges; and (3) National and Regional Response: Critical Actions and Capacity Needs. The papers will eventually be transformed into book chapters,
incorporating inputs from the workshop as well as designated referees.

Participants
Key personalities with vast experience on natural resource management in Southeast Asia will be invited to deliver the thematic presentations. Participants will come from the academe, government organizations, non-government organizations, international development agencies, and the private sector, mostly within, but not limited to, Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture,
College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines
Tel: (63-49) 536-2290 / 2254
Fax: (63-49) 536-4105
E-mail: [email protected]