In its continued efforts to enhance climate change resilience in Asia, the Rockefeller Foundation announced on October 4, 2023 that it will support the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to catalyze regenerative agriculture practices in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states of Cambodia, Laos People’s Democratic Republic, and Thailand.
The collaboration seeks to address critical challenges in the agriculture sector – including climate change impacts, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable food production – by emphasizing nature-positive solutions characterized by regenerative, non-depleting, and non-destructive production systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance agricultural sustainability.
The collaboration aims to support farmers, policymakers, researchers, and communities by driving climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable practices in Southeast Asia.
Left to right: Ms. Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President, Programs, The Rockefeller Foundation; Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, Professor and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand and Ms. Deepali Khanna, Vice President, Asia Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation. Photo courtesy of The Rockefeller Foundation.
“AIT’s research capabilities, combined with The Rockefeller Foundation’s expertise and support, will help drive positive change in agriculture and benefit farmers, policymakers, and communities across Southeast Asia,” he added.
The AIT and The Rockefeller Foundation forged their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed to establish a framework for collaboration between the two organizations.
“This collaboration with The AIT aligns with our commitment to promoting regenerative agriculture and addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change,” stated Deepali Khanna, Vice President, Asia Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation, expressing enthusiasm about the partnership.
“By generating empirical evidence and policy recommendations, we aim to catalyze the adoption of sustainable farming practices in Southeast Asia and improve the resilience of food systems,” she continued.
This grant aligns with The Rockefeller Foundation’s recently announced US$1 billion, five-year climate strategy, which aims to promote human opportunity while propelling climate solutions.
The Asian Institute of Technology is an international institute of higher learning established in 1959 to help meet the region’s growing needs for advanced learning in science, engineering, technology and management, research, and capacity building.
AIT’s mission is to develop highly qualified and committed professionals who will play a leading role in the sustainable development of the region and its integration into the global economy.
Featured photo by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay.