In March 2017, the Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund awarded the Australian National University a two-year research grant of A$320,000 to promote traditional floating rice farming systems in Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. 

This project aims to preserve and promote traditional sustainable floating rice farming systems. That way, farmers can counter the environmental impacts of fertiliser and pesticide use that degrades biodiversity, soil and water.

Research builds on a previous feasibility study, also supported by Mitsui, to improve profitability, livelihood diversity, re-use of natural resources, better nutrition for communities, and ecosystem services in the Lower Mekong regions. 

The research grant is one of 10 Mitsui grants with a combined value of A$8,403,000.

Established in 2005, the Mitsui Environment Fund provides financial assistance to NPOs, NGOs and universities for research projects that contribute to the sustainable development of communities and address global environmental problems.

Further information on the fund can be found on the Mitsui global website.