The International Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) took place 8–10 November in Tsukuba, Japan, with a hybrid format allowing more than 100 participants from 13 APO member economies. The event was organized by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) as the host of the APO Center of Excellence (COE) on CSA.

APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra (L) delivering the opening remarks.

The conference opened with remarks from Dr. Kazuo Kyuma, President of NARO, and Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata, APO Secretary-General. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Satoshi Morita, Director of the NARO Development Strategy Center, discussing the global situation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the role of the COE on CSA. The conference sessions covered a wide range of topics related to climate-smart technologies covered by speakers of NARO research institutes such as the NARO Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, NARO Central Region Agricultural Research Center, and NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science.

On the second day, attendees participated in a workshop on information services related to climate change such as the development and application of the 1-km mesh agricultural weather data system, prolonged mid-season drainage, alternate wetting and drying of paddy fields, and use of biochar. Additionally, the conference explored the applications of climate information to yield forecasting in the Asian context, the demonstration of a soil carbon sequestration visualization tool, and GHG emission reduction technology for livestock waste treatment processes.

Delegates to the conference in Tsukuba, Japan.

The conference also included presentations by national resource persons from various APO members, including Bangladesh, the Republic of China, Indonesia, India, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand, who discussed the current situation regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation in their nations.

On the third and final day of the conference, attendees had the opportunity visit the NARO Tsukuba Agriculture Research Hall, NARO Genebank, and Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences.

The International Conference on CSA provided a valuable platform for experts, researchers, and policymakers to share knowledge and experiences on innovative solutions for mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture and ensuring food security for future generations in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting CSA.

Delegates with NARO President, Dr. Kazuo Kyuma (center) and local resource persons.