ASEAN delegation explores river health solutions

Gulbali Institute hosted a distinguished delegation of 30 professionals from five ASEAN countries – Indonesia, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam – who visited to foster regional cooperation on river health issues. Supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mekong- Australia Program), this initiative aimed to address the impacts of river development on food security.

The delegation explored various sites within the Murray-Darling Basin and the Hawkesbury-Nepean system, engaging in discussions on river connectivity, water quality solutions, pest species management, water scarcity, and environmental flows. Beyond these productive sessions, delegates experienced Australian culture and cuisine.

Representatives from government agencies, academia, and local communities emphasised the importance of global collaboration in addressing development challenges, particularly with the uncertainty of future water scarcity.