Social-Ecological Transformation

Located in the heart of the Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions. Yet it is increasingly exposed to social and ecological problems associated with this ongoing economic development. Climate change poses a major challenge to the world's natural resources, biological diversity, human and environmental health, infrastructure, and food systems. The livelihoods of many people are threatened, with Southeast Asia being one of the most affected regions and Vietnam one of the most affected countries. Under current development models, economic growth is for the most part uncontroversially seen as a positive indicator for progress and thus included in most developmental policies. But while a growing gross domestic product (GDP) is celebrated as an indicator of improved living conditions in a specific county, resources are systematically withdrawn from the earth and the source of our livelihood is destroyed to achieve this growth.