Nature-based solutions are transforming communities in Indonesia

In a COVID-19 and climate change-affected world, women’s access to sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) has never been more important. That is why Australia is supporting research with partners Monash University, Emory University, Universitas Husanuddin and University of the South Pacific into nature-based solutions, so women like Ibu Suneti (left) can be part of building a more sustainable, cohesive and resilient community. (Monash University)

"Before RISE, this place was always flooded...we needed to ride on a bamboo raft to go out... I am so happy we can now walk easily" says Ibu Suneti (left) from Batua in Makassar, Indonesia. For her community, the work of Water for Women partners Monash University, Emory University and Universitas Hasanuddin has been life changing.

In a COVID-19 and climate change-affected world, women’s access to sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) has never been more important.

Women, water and climate change are inextricably linked - clean, safe and accessible water for everyone in the community plays a critical role in addressing poverty and contributing to economic and human development. Cohesive and fair communities are naturally more resilient, including to shocks from a changing climate or disease outbreaks. Supported by the Australian Government, research into nature-based solutions can help us achieve this.

Nature-based solutions look at decentralised infrastructure to manage and maintain a sustainable water supply. Through their project Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE), Monash University,  Emory University, Universitas Husanuddin and University of the South Pacific are working with communities and stakeholders in planning and providing infrastructure to enable access to essential water services and create greater resilience to the effects of climate change.

How does it work?

‘Green technology’ infrastructure integrates into buildings and landscapes creating ‘nature-based solutions’, this infrastructure mimics the earth’s natural systems to treat and clean water, making it more ecologically and economically sustainable. RISE has launched a mini- documentary series which takes an in-depth look at their sustainable water and sanitation interventions, including touching interviews with some inspiring female community leaders, including Ibu Suneti.

Watch part 3 now: The intervention: nature-based solutions

Australia is committed to supporting socially inclusive and sustainable water initiatives in Indonesia and across the Indo-Pacific. Today, access to water is under extreme threat from a growing population, inequality, increasing demands of agriculture and industry, and the worsening impacts of climate change.

Sustainable Development Goal 6 is to ensure water and sanitation for all. Without a comprehensive understanding of water’s true, multidimensional value, we will be unable to safeguard this critical resource for the benefit of everyone.