Agriculture underpins both food security and livelihoods in Southeast Asia, yet the sector faces mounting pressures from soil degradation, water scarcity, saltwater intrusion, and the impacts of climate change. Regenerative agriculture offers a pathway to rebuild resilience by combining traditional knowledge with Nature-based Solutions (NbS), creating farming systems that restore soil, conserve water, and protect biodiversity while maintaining productivity.
Across the region, innovative practices are taking root. In Indonesia, rice–fish farming in West Java integrates aquaculture with rice paddies, reducing pesticide use while producing both staple grains and protein. In Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, floating rice and mangrove–aquaculture systems help manage saltwater intrusion and flooding, securing livelihoods while protecting coastal ecosystems. Agroforestry, widely practiced in upland areas of the Philippines and Indonesia, enriches soils, reduces erosion, and supports biodiversity by combining crops with native trees.
Peatland restoration through paludiculture in Indonesia and Malaysia is emerging as a vital climate strategy, locking carbon in soils while sustaining water levels and reducing fire risks. In Cambodia and Laos, community-managed riparian buffers safeguard waterways from agricultural runoff and ensure reliable irrigation. Farmers across Thailand and Vietnam are adopting flood-based and water-efficient rice cultivation to adapt to shifting rainfall patterns, while organic methods, crop rotation, and polyculture enhance soil health and reduce dependence on chemicals.
New solutions are also broadening opportunities: biochar and agri-waste smart soils improve nutrient cycles, while seaweed aquaculture creates alternative income streams for coastal communities. These approaches illustrate how regenerative agriculture can move beyond sustainability toward renewal—strengthening ecosystems, securing food supplies, and ensuring that Southeast Asia’s rural landscapes remain resilient in the face of climate change.
