Integrating Earth Observation Systems and Data into Disaster Preparedness in the Lower Mekong: Experiences from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center

The Lower Mekong Region, which comprises Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, faces significant challenges associated with rapid economic, social, and environmental changes. Many of these challenges are exacerbated by climate change and natural disasters afflicting the region. The regions’ sustainable development challenges will worsen as people recognize that they are exposed to more and more dangerous and unacceptable levels of risk from disasters. This chapter addresses the pressing challenges for sustainability and disaster preparedness and explores the role of earth observation systems.