1 September 2009
Monash University hosted delegates from South-East Asia to discuss ways to respond to climate change issues.
Supported by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) the meeting brought together managers, researchers, and agency leaders together for the two-day symposium held in the city at the Melbourne Museum. (1 and 2 September).
Chief Research Officer, Monash Sustainability Institute Dr Paul McShane said topics included how to strike a balance between economic growth, social well being, and environment protection.
"How can major river systems be managed over several states or even countries given likely changes in supply (water) and demand (consumption)? Of course climate change policy involves governments but it also affects communities," Dr McShane said.
"Sessions were also dedicated to discussing community level issues such as culture and religion and how these affect attitudes to changes in land and water management. This is particularly important in a country such as Indonesia where the need to reduce carbon emissions through clearing of forests must be balanced with the need to reduce poverty and to improve education and health outcomes.
Dr McShane said managing potential disasters involves new approaches to urban planning and infrastructure management.
"Resolving competing demands for water (irrigation, human consumption and maintenance of environmental flows) is an issue of concern for visiting catchment managers from India, Viet Nam and Indonesia, while representatives from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City raised concerns because their communities face catastrophic consequences of increased floods and storms.
Dr Mc Shane said Australia was also wrestling with its own climate change policy position.
"The Murray Darling basin faces increasing demand for decreasing water resources with declining ecological outcomes."
For more information or to arrange an interview, please telephone Dr Paul McShane on +61 3 99020739 or +61 418 132 885
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