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Assessment of climate change-induced flooding hazards impacts on Bueng Eor Marsh communities in Xaybuly District, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR
Dissertation Abstract:
This dissertation examines the complex impacts of climate change-induced flooding on the Bueng Eor Marsh (BEM) ecosystem and its surrounding rural communities in Xaybuly District, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR. The study investigates changing precipitation patterns, escalating flood hazards, and their implications for ecological and socio-economic systems. Using historical precipitation data and future climate projections from CMIP5 Global Climate Models (GCMs) under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios reveals significant increases in wet-season rainfall, correlating with intensified flood events over the years.
The research identifies economically important species (EIS), including Clarias macrocephalus, Channa striata, and Monopterus albus, and evaluates their habitat vulnerability and resilience to flooding. A comprehensive vulnerability assessment highlights how climate change-induced flooding threatens BEM's ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities reliant on fishing, agriculture, and wetland resources. The findings emphasize the importance of habitat restoration, sustainable fishing practices, and livelihood diversification to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.
The study explores community responses to flooding through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and a structured social survey of 208 households in Phakpheua, Kengphosy, and Sakong villages. It reveals reliance on a mix of traditional knowledge and modern adaptation practices, while identifying barriers such as limited financial resources, insufficient technological access, and gaps in institutional support.
The dissertation proposes socially inclusive, context-specific adaptation strategies, including ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture, improved water management, and enhanced disaster preparedness. It underscores the need for participatory planning, policy support for measures like crop insurance and land-use planning, and capacity-building programs to empower communities in addressing climate challenges. By integrating traditional knowledge with scientific approaches, these recommendations provide a framework for ensuring the longterm sustainability and resilience of the Bueng Eor Marsh ecosystem and its dependent communities.