The project takes the following approach: the project is strengthening the capacities of relevant professional bodies in the four riparian states Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam as well as the Secretariat of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to project the impacts of climate change. The aim is for the countries to be better equipped to prevent or mitigate the growing risk of flooding and the damage arising from it. To do this, the project takes existing flood forecasting systems and develops them with respect to the impacts of specific climatic factors. The local stakeholders learn how to apply the information obtained to the planning of adaptation measures and how to implement these sustainably. This takes place through fur-ther education courses and on-the-job training, as well as through direct guidance from inter-national specialists and exchanges with other river basin organisations, particularly from Europe. The project undertakes practical tests on the forecast procedures that have been developed and helps the partners to implement pilot flood prevention measures. 

Adaptation measures designed to reduce flood risk, such as building dams or setting areas aside that can be flooded in the event of high water, also contribute in the long term to safe-guarding the incomes of the poorest sectors of the population and those most vulnerable to flooding. Moreover, the increased capacity of the relevant institutions in climate-sensitive flood prevention can also improve the environmentally sustainable use of water resources.