Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is a regional institution offering post graduate education and short-course training with an extensive network of alumni in over 40 countries. Through its Aqua Outreach Programme, AIT has been helping farmers and communities in the Mekong region manage their aquatic resources for over a decade. The Programme offers students opportunities to address real issues related to wetland development and conservation. AIT's network of national and local institutions in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam will be a focal point for the development of the Wetlands Alliance.

Capacity Development and Research: AIT’s Contribution to the Wetlands Alliance

As a premier international academic institution the Asian Institute of Technology plays a significant role in supporting the Wetland Alliance through applied participatory research and innovative, action-oriented educational programmes. Drawing from the knowledge and expertise of more than 130 faculty and thousands of former students, AIT engages in activities that built local Wetland Alliance partners’ capacities to effectively support local communities in improving their livelihoods.

The diversity of competencies available within AIT provides an extensive pool of skills and knowledge that matches the diversity of challenges that are posed by persistent causes of poverty and social, economic and environmental vulnerability of local communities.

With over 40 faculty across ten fields of study, the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) is able to provide technical assistance, research and capacity building in those areas that are most crucial for local partner of the Wetlands Alliance: Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management, Rural Development, Natural Resources Management and Agricultural Practices for poverty alleviation, Development Planning, Co-Management and Gender Development.

The School of Management has core competencies in areas that are crucial for local economic development and livelihood diversification, such as promotion and development of small and medium enterprise, market analysis and product development, financial planning and business management.

Knowledge and skill resources available in the School of Engineering and Technology can play an important role in improving the technical aspects of water and resources management, pollution control and land use planning.