Khon Kaen, Thailand – Twenty-seven (27) policymakers, practitioners, and private-sector representatives from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) have strengthened their technical capacity to develop carbon market initiatives that support climate-resilient agriculture, following a regional training organized by Mekong Institute (MI) with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
The Regional Training on Carbon Markets for Resilient Agri-Food Systems, held from March 2-6, 2026, at the MI in Khon Kaen, Thailand, brought together stakeholders to explore how carbon markets can support climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture, and green economic opportunities.
The five-day program was organized under the Mekong CREATES project, a regional initiative supported by MFAT to strengthen climate resilience, green investment, and sustainable economic development across the Mekong subregion.
Opening the program, Orn-uma Polpanich, Director of Agricultural Development and Commercialization at MI, emphasized the growing importance of carbon market literacy as climate change continue to affect regional economies and food systems. “Strengthening knowledge and capacity on carbon market is essential as ASEAN countries navigate the challenges of climate change while pursuing sustainable economic growth,” said Orn-uma. “At the same time, the transition to carbon neutrality present significant opportunities, with the potential to generate trillions of dollars (USD 3–5.3 trillion) in economic value by 2050 and create millions of green jobs across the region.”
Through expert-led sessions, participants explored global and regional carbon market frameworks, including Article 6 mechanisms under the Paris Agreement, voluntary carbon markets, and mitigation opportunities in agriculture, forestry, and land use (AFOLU) sector. Sessions also highlighted the importance of environmental integrity, robust monitoring systems, and inclusive approaches that deliver benefits to local communities.
To connect theory with practices, participants joined field visits to observed operational carbon initiatives in Thailand.
At the Northeast Carbon Credit Project, implemented by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), participants learned about community-led “Tree Bank” initiatives under Thailand’s voluntary carbon market program. The initiative demonstrates how local communities can generate carbon credits through sustainable forestry and land management practices.
Participants also visited the Mitr Phol Innovation and Research Center, where they explored the company’s corporate decarbonization strategy, biomass-based energy systems, and research on low-carbon agricultural innovations. The visit showcased how private sector investment and technology can support climate mitigation across agri-food value chains.
Participants highlighted the field visits as one of the most valuable aspects of the program. According to Bounma Thor, Senior Policy Analyst at the Global Green Growth Institute in Lao PDR, the training provided a rare opportunity to observe both community-based and private-sector carbon projects in practice.
Similarly, Alex Nguyen, Biochar Carbon Credit Development Director at Agriculture Vietnam, noted that practical exposure to operational projects strengthened participants’ understanding of how carbon markets can support sustainable agriculture and mobilize climate finance across the Mekong subregion.
Participants also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in advancing carbon markets. Thi Thi Phyo Oo, Co-Founder and CTO of Green&Blue VCM Carbon Initiative from Myanmar, reflected that carbon markets rely on strong data, transparency, and trust. Countries in the Mekong region share common challenges in supporting farmers while protecting natural ecosystems.
By the end of the training, participants developed country-focused action plans outlining practical steps they plan to implement within the next three months to advance carbon market readiness and mitigation opportunities in their respective sectors.
The program concluded with a shared commitment among participants to continue collaborating across the Mekong subregion to strengthen institutional capacity, develop high-integrity carbon projects, and mobilize climate finance to support sustainable climate-resilient agri-food systems across the Mekong subregion.
The training reflects the ongoing commitment of MFAT and MI to support climate action through knowledge exchange and capacity development, sustainable agriculture and regional cooperation in the Mekong subregion.
About Mekong CREATES
The Mekong CREATES project, supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), aims to strengthen climate resilience, promote green investment, and support sustainable economic development across the Mekong subregion through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and regional cooperation initiatives.
About Mekong Institute
The Mekong Institute (MI) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation and capacity development in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Through training, research, and partnership programs, MI promotes inclusive economic growth, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience across the region.
