On 6 May 2026, the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), in collaboration with the National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS), convened the First Working Group Meeting of the Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Living Lab, marking the official launch of a regional platform to advance science-based, collaborative climate adaptation across Asia.
The virtual meeting brought together representatives, experts, and focal points from AFoCO Member Parties: including Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.
In response to growing climate change impacts, AFoCO and NIFoS have strengthened regional cooperation to promote practical, field-driven adaptation approaches. The establishment of the AFoCO-NIFoS CCA Working Group reflects a shared commitment to exchange knowledge, learn from each other, and co-create solutions grounded in real experiences. Participants shared national forest management strategies, adaptation plans, and collaboration opportunities. They also discussed the development of a research framework for a CCA Regional Synthesis Report. The meeting discussed a three-phase roadmap covering self-assessment, knowledge synthesis, and practical actions, with a focus on strengthening adaptation capacity and building regional networks.
Member Countries will submit their Country Information Submission Forms by 31 May 2026. These submissions will support regional analysis, identify potential Living Lab sites, and guide future activities. Member Countries are also encouraged to prepare draft manuscripts on national climate vulnerability and impacts for inclusion in the regional synthesis report.
Looking ahead, collaboration will continue through an in-person Working Group meeting planned for July 2026 in Myanmar, where participants will advance knowledge sharing, develop the regional synthesis report, identify Living Lab sites, and begin partial implementation of activities.
Contributed by Hsu Sandar Aung, Fellow Official from Myanmar, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team.