As part of FAO's Regional Priorities, Regional Priority Two (RP2) covering climate action, biodiversity and sustainable natural resources management (NRM). RP2 helps Members protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, combatting climate change while realizing more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems through a range of collaborations:
- Strengthened networks, partnerships and knowledge exchange;
- Upgraded capabilities in sustainable food and agriculture production, natural resources management and ecosystem restoration;
- Deployment of climate-smart technologies, biodiversity-friendly and risk-informed approaches;
- Effective forest, land and water management for achieving sustainable development goals; and
- Advancing bioeconomy in food and agriculture.
Taking action now to anticipate and adapt will have lasting benefits for the Asia and the Pacific region. These efforts must be carried out leaving no one behind and ensuring the inclusivity of marginalized and vulnerable peoples, such as Indigenous Peoples, youth and women.
Agrifood systems in Asia and the Pacific at risk from environmental degradation and climate change
Environmental degradation, biodiversity and forest loss, soil and water depletion, and rising climate extremes are eroding the resilience and sustainability of agrifood systems in the region. Limited integration of bioeconomy approaches, persistent pollution, fire-related emissions and ongoing environmental degradation further constrain the shift towards sustainable and resilient food production and agrifood system transformation.
Building sustainable and resilient agrifood systems
Integrated approaches like climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and water resources management enhance resilience, soil health, and ecosystem balance. Biodiversity mainstreaming safeguards food production and ecosystem services, while sustainable forest and landscape restoration supports recovery and climate mitigation. Securing tenure and rights ensures equitable access to land, water, and forests, strengthening livelihoods. Together, these strategies build climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and secure long-term food security.
Supporting climate action, biodiversity and natural resources management
Our work aims to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, through integrating sustainable natural resources and wildlife management, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity mainstreaming and bioeconomy solutions in agrifood systems. Focussed actions include advancing bioeconomy and restoration at scale. By addressing key drivers of climate and environmental risks such as agro-ecosystem degradation, declining resilience, and excess greenhouse gas emissions, we help strengthen the adaptive capacity of agrifood systems, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure long-term sustainability of natural resources in the region.
Asia Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC)
Created in 1949, the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC) is one of six FAO Regional Forestry Commissions, serving as a forum to address key forestry issues in a rapidly changing region. With 34 member countries, it meets biennially to review progress, discuss challenges, and set agendas. APFC balances technical and policy priorities by advising on forest policy, coordinating regional implementation, sharing best practices, and supporting recommendations for member governments and FAO. The FAO RAP (Forest and Biodiversity Module) provides secretariat support to APFC.
Our focus in Asia and the Pacific:
Climate change and disaster risk reduction
FAO in action
In Asia and the Pacific, we work on climate action, biodiversity and natural resources management by employing the following techniques and practices:
- Facilitating regional networks, partnerships and knowledge exchange;
- Scaling up climate-smart and risk-informed practices;
- Biodiversity mainstreaming in agri-food systems;
- Implementing integrated soil, water, and forest management;
- Supporting inclusive governance of land, fisheries and forest tenure systems;
- Strengthening anticipatory disaster and climate-related risks management; and
- Promoting bioeconomy and mobilizing green finances through private and public resources.
Natural resource management supporting agrifood systems is a significant challenge for the Asia and the Pacific region. Changes in growing season conditions and increased risks from climate extremes are already
impacting agrifood systems.
Recent activity
On 7 November 2025, FAO supervised the installation of the soil moisture measurement instruments for Mae Taeng District Agricultural Officers at the Learning Center. Farmers can now access real-time soil moisture data, which includes alerts based on each crop’s saturation point. This feature supports timely plant watering decisions aligned with specific crop water requirements and prevailing climatic conditions. The project’s Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) expert team — Assistant Professor Dr. Panuwat from the King Mongkut University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Supitcha Thaikheaw, and Napaporn (Cherry) Yuberk — will help interpret the moisture dataset and communicate it in a simple, user-friendly language through the LINE Official Account (LINE OA).
On 4 September 2025, DDG Alue Dohong nominated Napaporn (Cherry) Yuberk to speak at the seminar titled How Ready is Thailand for the Draft Climate Change Bill, organized by Thailand's Office of Secretariat of the Senate. The presentation highlighted the urgent need to address climate risks, noting that global warming beyond 1.5°C will significantly reduce crop productivity and threaten food security, particularly for vulnerable communities. FAO’s Global Roadmap emphasizes moving from vision to action by mobilizing green and blue finance, strengthening partnerships and supporting countries in implementing Climate-Smart agriculture (CSA). Thailand has advanced by developing its Climate Smart Agriculture Investment Plan (CSAIP), by integrating into the GCF Country Programme while conducting multi-stakeholder workshops to align investments with national adaptation goals.
On 5˗7 March 2025, agriculture experts from 16 Asia-Pacific countries along with key development partners met in Bangkok to discuss nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The NDC Help Desk will offer support and assistance as a one-stop-shop on NDCs. In addition, FAORAP has recently published a policy brief examining the role of agrifood systems in NDCs.
Imelda Bacudo, FAO Climate Finance and Engagement Specialist, stated, “As we shape NDS 3.0 strategies, this gathering showed how we can pool our knowledge, resources and passion.”
Featured news
Latest publications
Publications
Designing carbon market projects in the agriculture, forestry and land use sector
2025
Exploring the connectivity between Compliance and Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) plus an in-depth analysis across six focus countries – Cambodia, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam.
Publications
Increasing direct access to the Green Climate Fund for agriculture in Southeast Asia
2025
Direct Access Entities (DAEs) are essential for country ownership of Green Climate Fund (GCF) projects and programmes. Organizations accredited by GCF as DAEs directly access and implement the Fund’s resources.
Publications
Agrifood systems in nationally determined contributions in Asia and the Pacific
2025
Examining Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), highlighting key trends, gaps and opportunities for climate action
Events
4/11
2025
7/11
2025
31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission
Hybrid Event, 04/11/2025 - 07/11/2025
The 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission will be hosted by the Royal Forest Department of Thailand and held in conjunction with the 5th Asia-Pacific Forestry Week.
- FAO and GCF
- FAO and climate change
- FAO and agroecology
- ASEAN-CRN
- Strategy for FAO's work on climate change
- Scaling up agroecology initiative
- FAO’s work on agroecology
- FAO and GEF
- Building a common vision for sustainable food and agriculture
- Strategic work of FAO for sustainable food and agriculture
- Bioeconomy talks for sustainable food and agriculture
Contact
FAO Regional Office for Asia
and the Pacific (FAORAP)
Bangkok, Thailand
E-mail: [email protected]
Sustainable Development Goals
