Science-based policy planning and capacity building for flood resilience in the Mekong basin

While existing research predominantly focuses on the negative aspects of flood-society interactions—such as risks, vulnerabilities, damages, and adaptation needs—less attention has been given to the resilience-building processes that have enabled societies to adapt and develop in these challenging environments. Our research aims to investigate the dynamic relationships between floods and human societies, focusing on resilience rather than vulnerability in the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The study explores the governance, technological, societal, and cultural dimensions of flood resilience, and captures the multi-spatial-temporal dimensions of flood resilience, covering scales from households to regions and time periods spanning centuries.

Specifically, the study directly addresses critical challenges at the science-society-policy interface. It provides evidence-based insights for policymakers on fostering flood resilience across scales, offering actionable strategies and tools for building resilience in flood-prone communities. The findings emphasize effective engagement formats, such as participatory modeling and co-production workshops, to ensure research findings translate into meaningful societal impacts. By shifting the narrative from vulnerability to resilience, the study advances the emerging field of flood resilience research, providing new multi-dimensional knowledge on flood-society interactions. The project’s outcomes will bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking, equipping stakeholders with the tools and understanding needed to foster sustainable and resilient societies in the face of growing flood risks.