Monsoon Asia has been identified by the Earth System Science Partnership (DIVERSITAS, IGBP, IHDP and WCRP) as a priority region for integrated research studies. Changes to the regional climate, biogeochemical, and terrestrial and marine ecosystem functioning brought about by human driving forces such as an increase in population, intensified land use, urbanisation, industrialisation, and economic development may have global as well as regional consequences. Similarly, effects of global change will have a significant impact on sustainable development at both regional and national levels. Together with the ESSP, START and its regional networks in East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia will undertake integrated regional studies of global change in Monsoon Asia. The integrated regional studies will be preceded by a first phase of three sub-regional Rapid Assessment Projects for China/East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia that will systematically review current knowledge regarding regional aspects of global change in Monsoon Asia. A series of book volumes primarily authored by regional scientists will be produced within one year of each project workshop.