Statement from the IFLA Asia-Pacific Region Climate Change Working Group on Super Typhoon Ragasa

Source: CSU/CIRA & JMA/JAXA via Reuters

As Super Typhoon Ragasa passing across the northern Philippines and southern China, the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia-Pacific Region (IFLA APR) Climate Change Working Group stands in solidarity with the affected communities and calls for transformative action in climate adaptation.

This rapidly intensifying storm marked by sustained winds exceeding 260 km/h is a stark reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change across our region. The Asia-Pacific is home to some of the most vulnerable coastal and urban populations in the world, and the frequency of extreme weather are no longer anomalies—they are the new norm.

Designing with Nature: A Call to Action

Landscape architects are uniquely positioned to lead the shift from reactive disaster response to proactive climate adaptation. We advocate for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that work with, rather than against, ecological systems – solutions that buffer communities from extreme weather while restoring biodiversity, improving public health, and enhancing urban liveability.

Numerous examples of successful projects such as floodable parks, constructed wetland, living breakwaters, vegetated swales have been implemented in various places of the regions such as Thailand, Philippines, Singapore.

Towards Resilience

We urge governments, planners, and developers to prioritize landscape-led adaptation strategies. Investments in NbS are not only cost-effective but regenerative to the land while protecting lives. As Ragasa continues its path of destruction, let it also be a catalyst for change.

IFLA APR reaffirms its commitment to supporting member nations in advancing climate-resilient design, sharing best practices, and empowering communities through landscape architecture.

IFLA APR Climate Change Working Group
September 22, 2025