Asst/Prof Edward Park delivered a keynote at the International Conference on Sustainable Environment and Disaster Management (SUSTAIN) 2024

On 19th September 2024, Asst/Prof Edward Park from NIE delivered a keynote at the International Conference on Sustainable Environment and Disaster Management (SUSTAIN) 2024 at the State University of Malang, Indonesia. Organized by the Center for Environmental, Mitigation and Disaster Mitigation Research and Community Service Institutions, the conference convened researchers, educators, policy-makers, and community leaders to discuss how universities can enhance adaptive capacities for disaster resilience in the face of climate change.

In his address titled “Sand Mining in the Mekong Delta: Drivers, Extents, Impacts, and Management,” Asst/Prof Park highlighted research supported by MOE Tier 2 and MOE AcRF Tier 2 projects. His presentation focused on quantifying the drivers and impacts of sand mining in the Mekong Delta and proposed sustainable management strategies. He drew parallels to the challenges facing Indonesian rivers, a topic of particular relevance as the nation relocates its capital to Nusantara in Borneo, potentially intensifying pressures on river sand resources. The discussion also covered environmental implications for Borneo's rivers in the context of climate change and sea level rise, with engaging exchanges from Indonesian faculty, students, and university leaders.

Additionally, team members from Asst/Prof Park’s Tropical Rivers Group, Dr Tran Dung Duc (Senior Research Fellow) and Feng Yikang (PhD student), presented their research on salinity intrusion and the decline of the sediment plume at the Mekong Delta. By sharing these case studies, the team aimed to advance understanding of environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change in tropical rivers, with the goal of improving sustainability and resilience of local communities.