For the Asia-Pacific region home to over 60% of the world’s population and some of the most climate-vulnerable communities adapting to climate change is an urgent priority. From rising sea levels threatening low-lying Pacific islands to droughts affecting inland farming communities, the challenges require targeted, locally driven solutions that safeguard livelihoods and build resilience.
This year is pivotal as countries prepare to submit their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These commitments will shape national ambitions for tackling climate impacts and creating a more sustainable future. The outcomes of key global conferences in 2024 have further reinforced the need for immediate action.
1. Strengthening Climate Adaptation for Food Security
Food security is inseparable from how the entire agricultural value chain from production and processing to consumption and waste is managed. A systems-level assessment (SLA) approach can help identify climate risks throughout the food system and inform strategic interventions.
Several countries have already started implementing this approach. Nepal recently conducted an SLA for climate-smart rice and livestock farms, helping identify vulnerabilities and guide climate-smart farming guidelines. Mongolia has assessed the adaptability of fruit and berry trees to climate risks, leading to recommendations for training, improved storage, and processing infrastructure. These initiatives demonstrate how data-driven strategies can enhance agricultural resilience.
2. Climate Finance for Agriculture and Land Use
Following key discussions in 2024, the international community reaffirmed a commitment to delivering $300 billion annually in climate finance by 2035, with a portion directed towards agriculture and land-use adaptation. However, projected adaptation costs could reach $340 billion annually by 2030, making it essential to explore alternative financial mechanisms.
Countries like Thailand are already leveraging innovative financing tools, including revolving funds and credit guarantees, to drive climate action. The government is also exploring carbon finance opportunities through the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 to incentivize forest conservation and sustainable land-use practices.
Cambodia has set an ambitious goal of increasing forest cover to 60% by 2050, requiring an estimated $185.7 million in forestry investment by 2031. To support this, development partners have helped implement Cambodia’s Action and Investment Plan for National REDD+ Strategy, mobilizing financial resources to achieve sustainable land-use goals. In collaboration with the UN, Cambodia is also conducting an SLA focused on livestock to encourage investment in climate resilience for rural communities.
The financing gap highlights the need for stronger partnerships between governments, the private sector, and international organizations to accelerate investments in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry.
3. Advancing Nature-Based Solutions
The outcomes of global climate, biodiversity, and desertification conferences have underscored the importance of nature-based solutions (NbS). These strategies not only help mitigate climate risks but also promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Mongolia has integrated NbS into its adaptation strategy by introducing climate-smart technologies and planting forest strips around farmlands to combat soil erosion and improve moisture retention. Such initiatives offer multiple benefits, including carbon sequestration and enhanced agricultural productivity.
Key Opportunities in 2025
Despite ongoing challenges, 2025 presents significant opportunities to accelerate transformative change in agriculture and land use across the region:
- New National Pledges (NDCs 3.0 and NAPs): Countries are expected to submit updated NDCs and NAPs before COP30, outlining pathways to a 1.5°C future and long-term climate resilience. These plans will provide detailed adaptation strategies and align with global climate commitments.
- Scaling Up Nature-Based Solutions: Agriculture is responsible for 80% of deforestation, 37% of greenhouse gas emissions, and 70% of freshwater use. Investing in NbS will be critical to transforming food systems in a sustainable, nature-positive way. The SCALA program, extended until 2028, will play a key role in supporting NbS implementation in agri-food systems.
- Private Sector Engagement: Businesses can drive innovation, financing, and expertise in climate-smart agriculture. Countries must develop frameworks that foster public-private partnerships, leveraging support from UN initiatives designed to engage the private sector in climate action.
A Defining Year for Agriculture
The Asia-Pacific region is already moving beyond planning and into action. Countries are implementing measures to safeguard food systems, support rural communities, and harness NbS for long-term resilience.
2025 is more than just another year it is a turning point. The commitments made this year will shape the future of agriculture and land use, ensuring that food systems are not only resilient but also sustainable and equitable in a rapidly changing climate. The upcoming NDCs 3.0 will be a milestone in setting adaptation ambitions and creating the necessary conditions to turn them into reality.
