Southeast Asia

Countries in Southeast Asia have abundant water resources. However, due to the uneven distribution of these resources, much of the region is water insecure. Geographic location and seasonal variations, as well as varying degrees of economic development and different political systems, greatly affect people’s access to water and land resources. The Greater Mekong subregion comprises Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the People’s Republic of China (specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region).

Countries in the Greater Mekong are changing as a result of increasing economic growth, population and urbanization as well as rapid rural transformations. The Greater Mekong has a combined population of around 345,185. By 2050, it is expected that the subregion will be at least 50% urbanized. Governments in the region recognize the critical role that water and land resources management can play in future development.

IWMI in Southeast Asia

IWMI plays a crucial role in addressing water-related challenges in Southeast Asia. With a focus on water, food, ecosystems, climate change, growth, and inclusion, IWMI recognizes the complex dynamics of water resources in the region. Despite abundant water resources, uneven distribution and diverse socioeconomic factors impact access to water and land.

IWMI’s expertise lies in promoting effective irrigation management, facilitating community-based schemes, and enhancing agricultural resilience. Additionally, IWMI is actively involved in groundwater development, sustainable fisheries integration into irrigation systems, climate change adaptation, and optimizing hydropower benefits for water users. IWMI’s research efforts contribute significantly to improving water and land resource management in Southeast Asia, fostering resilience, and supporting sustainable development initiatives.

Regional representative

Mark Dubois

Mark Dubois

Country Representative – Lao & Regional Representative – South East Asia

Contact

For work related to Southeast Asia, please contact our regional office in Lao PDR.

Contact the media team.

Contact our global HQ.

Projects in Southeast Asia

Latest Southeast Asia news

Young researchers develop leadership skills to create lasting impact

Five IWMI researchers reflect on their learnings from the Crawford Fund Master Class on Agricultural Research Leadership and Management in Malaysia – and how they can use their newly acquired …

Integrated rice-fish culture improves food security for farmers in Lao PDR

In Lao PDR’s Sanamxay district, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), through the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology, is helping farmers adopt integrated rice-fish farming to enhance food security and nutrition …

Lao PDR further enhances its groundwater management

IWMI and partners continue working with Lao DPR’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) to progress its sustainable groundwater management plans through policy support and training in four provinces …

January-February 2025 Research Journal Roundup 

Roundup of research, journal and other academic articles from January and February 2025 …

Latest Southeast Asia publications

Displaying 4 publications
Policy coherence and migration complexity: a review of migration policy literature in Southeast Asia (01/31/2025)
Policy coherence and migration complexity: a review of migration policy literature in Southeast Asia
2024
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Revisiting the levels of aerosol optical depth in South-Southeast Asia, Europe and USA amid the COVID-19 pandemic using satellite observations (11/28/2021)
Revisiting the levels of aerosol optical depth in South-Southeast Asia, Europe and USA amid the COVID-19 pandemic using satellite observations
Environmental Research, 2021
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Analyzing farm household strategies for food security and climate resilience: the case of climate-smart villages of Southeast Asia
2018
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Integrated systems research for sustainable smallholder agriculture in the uplands of mainland Southeast Asia: Achievements and lessons learned
2016
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