Urban and agricultural waste biomass is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions in Cambodia[1], Lao PDR and Thailand[2] due to mismanagement such as open burning and unsanitary landfills without gas recovery systems. For example, it is estimated that in Cambodia approximately 15% of waste is treated by self disposal and another 8% are disposed of through illegal dumping[3]. Open burning is common in Lao PDR[4]. The waste management in Cambodia and Lao PDR is less developed than in Thailand, even though around 65% of waste in Thailand are disposed of by open dumping, especially in rural area where the local authorities has low capacity in waste management[5].

Urban waste in these countries comprise 60-70% of organic waste[3,6,7], these waste can be composted for fertilizer or fermented to produce biogas. Urban organic waste and agricultural waste biomass can be used to enhance food and energy security by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and mineral fertilizers. In addition, projects on improved waste treatment can earn CDM credits, which can improve their financial viability[8]. While Cambodia has registered a project on rice husk utilization and an animal waste biogas production project to CDM in 2006 and 2007 respectively[2,9], Thailand has already registered ten projects to CDM for urban and agricultural waste utilization to reduce greenhouse gas
emission[2].

Use of waste biomass for food production could increase income and accessibility to food, and reduce import of chemical fertilizers. Use of waste biomass for energy production[10] could create jobs, increase income and reduce import of energy. International organizations, such as the World Bank[11] and United Nations Environment Program[12], are actively promoting energy production from agricultural biomass and waste.

Despite the clear benefits of improved waste management approaches and technologies, implementation is currently weak due to lack of awareness, skilled personnel, and financial constraints[13,5]. Most improvement projects rely on external support to select and implement new technologies and many such projects have finally failed to meet the local conditions. The shutting down of large scale composting plants in China and terminated biogas projects in India are just a few examples where inappropriate technologies have led to failure.

Further, in practice the management of urban and agricultural waste biomass are often poorly integrated. There is a high potential for integrating the management of these waste streams for improved quality. For example, rice straw and plant residues from agriculture could improve the C:N ratio of the urban organic waste, thereby making it easier to compost. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the potential of a comprehensive approach to sustainable waste biomass management and to increase the capacity of local authorities to select and implement the most suitable technologies for their local contexts as well as to stimulate the development of supportive national policies and institutions.

(i) Promote sustainable waste biomass management for climate change mitigation, food and bioenergy production for sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance in Cambodia, Lao PDR and hailand,
(ii) Develop the capacity of local authorities to select and implement suitable waste biomass management approaches and technologies relying mainly on local resources,
(iii) Increase the awareness of local stakeholders of potential benefits of proper waste biomass management: climate change mitigation, food security, renewable energy generation, income
increase and health protection.

(i) Knowledge on suitable technologies and approaches for sustainable use of biomass for food security, bio-energy and climate protection in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand.
(ii) A technology evaluation and selection tool and an implementation guideline for sustainable waste biomass management appropriate for national and local actors, published in English, Khmer, Lao and Thai.
(iii) Staff of at least 30 local authorities in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand is trained to select and implement the most suitable technology for waste biomass management in their local contexts.
(iv) Increased awareness of government officials, local authorities and other stakeholders in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand of the value of beneficial waste biomass utilisation to pursue country needs for food and energy, and on the need to promote sustainable waste biomass management in the national policies.
(v) Findings of the project, including lessons that are relevant to other countries are disseminated through websites, training programmes, seminars and academic papers.
(vi) An improved knowledge infrastructure which makes it easier for Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand to cooperate on technology transfer for sustainable use of waste biomass.

The research outcomes will be disseminated to policy and decision makers at regional, national and local levels. Training programmes will be conducted to increase capacity and awareness of local authorities using local languages: Khmer, Lao and Thai.

Research findings and project output will be disseminated through: a website, further training sessions, workshops, international conferences and academic journals (throughout the project period). Report and findings will be distributed to the governments, local authorities and interested parties in the target countries, and also distributed to related international and national organizations.

For more detail project partner visit link website: http://www.apn.gr.jp/newAPN/indexe.htm