By modifying traditional farming practices and incorporating agroforestry, villagers in northern Thailand have managed to prevent landslides and ensure a supply of food for their community.

An article in The Nation explains how many countries In Asia and the Pacific are experiencing frequent and intense flooding, droughts and storms brought about by climate change.

Actions such as that being taken in the Pang Yang community forest in Nan province have shown how local communities are adapting to the impacts of climate change. The challenge however is that communities such as this do not have access to the necessary tools to change their farming practices nor do many have secure property rights.

“Without these rights, we aren't able to make more changes to our land to help us to further adapt to climate problems,” said Vatcharin Panasan, village chief, during an event on 23 September: 'Adapting to climate change - how can we foster innovative ideas that work?' co-organised by RECOFTC - The Centre for People and Forests, and the Royal Forest Department of Thailand.

More than 1,000 forest villages in Thailand lack tenure rights to their land.

"Widespread implementation of community forestry offers a way to strengthen national and regional resilience to climate change, while supporting local livelihoods from forests, improving ecosystem functions, increasing food security, and reducing disaster risks,” said Dr Doris Capistrano, RECOFTC’s board chair.

Read the full story: Changing climate demands a change in thinking