On 19-20 September 2022, AFSIS Secretariat with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan held the Regional Workshop on the Project for Supporting Agricultural Survey on Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN Region (SAS-PSA) at Grande Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri, Bangkok, Thailand.
21 participants from 10 ASEAN Plus Three countries which are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan attended the workshop physically, while 2 participants of Indonesia attended virtually. Moreover, Dr. Apichart Pongsrihadulchai, a project evaluation consultant of the SAS-PSA project attended the workshop physically.
Also, the representatives from the relevant agencies namely the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), and the Office of the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), Thailand, ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Secretariat, Faculty of Economics from Kasetsart University, EGIS Global Development Cooperation Center, and AFSIS Secretariat had attended the workshop physically. In addition, there were 2 representatives from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) who attended the workshop virtually.
The workshop was also honored by the following distinguished representatives which were Mr. Chantanon Wannakejohn, a Secretary General of OAE from the MOAC of Thailand to deliver the opening remarks and open the event, Mr. Kimura Keitaro, a Director of Statistics Planning Division, Statistics Department from MAFF, Japan to deliver his remarks, Dr. Waraporn Saelee, AFSIS Manager to deliver the welcome remarks and participate in discussion session and wrap-up the regional workshop, and Mr. Vinit Atisook, Deputy Secretary General of OAE to take part in the discussion during the workshop.
The objectives of this workshop are to present the concept of the SAS-PSA project, activities, and overall outcomes as well as relevant knowledge and experiences getting from the project from 3 target countries namely Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia by Mr. Niimi Tomohiro, a Japanese Expert of the SAS-PSA project and 3 national consultants of the target countries.
There was a general discussion session that provide the opportunity for all participants to discuss and exchange their ideas for suggestions and recommendations which will be beneficial for each country to implement a survey on SDG indicator 2.4.1 based on the FAO guideline in the future.
The workshop was successfully ended with great collaboration from all participants and appreciation toward AFSIS Secretariat and MAFF of Japan for organizing the Regional Workshop to strengthening food security information in ASEAN region.
In late November and early December 2024, Malaysia and southern Thailand experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall, which caused widespread damage, including landslides and agricultural devastation. In Malaysia, 25 districts across seven states were severely impacted, with households evacuated and extensive flooding reported. Similarly, southern Thailand experienced heavy rains and flash flooding, particularly in provinces affecting over 136,000 households. The floods severely damaged agricultural sectors, with significant losses in paddy rice and other crops, amounting to millions of dollars in damages in both countries. In response, both nations initiated emergency measures, including providing aid and conducting damage assessments. Malaysia focused on intensive assistance to affected households, while Thailand mobilized a range of relief efforts, including specialized equipment and emergency vehicles, to support flood-stricken regions. The agricultural losses in both countries highlight the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and more resilient agricultural systems.
The tropical cyclones that impacted the Philippines in November 2024, including Yinxing, Oraji, Usagi, and Man-Yi, have caused widespread devastation across several provinces, resulting in heavy rainfall, severe winds, flooding, and significant agricultural damage. These storms have left communities grappling with extensive losses, including damaged crops, disrupted livelihoods, and displacement. Despite the severe impacts, the government of the Philippines, along with international aid from neighboring countries and global partners, has mobilized resources for relief and recovery. The ongoing efforts to assist those affected highlight the resilience of the Filipino people and the importance of continued preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
On 26-27 November 2024, Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, the AFSIS Manager, participated in the 30th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-30), held in Perth, Australia. This event was co-organized by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The forum's focus was to bring together stakeholders from various space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing regional issues through space-based solutions.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 22:57 WITA, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s 120 active volcanoes, erupted on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, The eruption, lasting 24 minutes (1,450 seconds), was recorded with a massive amplitude of 47.3 mm. According to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, a strong eruption sent ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), affecting over 10,000 people. Smaller eruptions followed on November 5-6. In response, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s alert status to “Awas” (Level IV), indicating a high danger level.
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