News
Improving Knowledge of Water Security and Sustainable Living for Local Communities
On 29-30 August 2023, the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Indonesian Institute of Technology (ITI) organized an international workshop on Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD), ahead of the 10th World Water Forum 2024 in Bali, with support from UNESCO through its Participation Programme.
The event focused on water security and sustainable living for local communities, through small island studies done by national and international scientists, and development trends aligned with UNESCO's aim to support small islands prone to hydro-meteorological hazards, sea-level rise, and extreme weather impacting water security and local communities. It brought together international experts and nearly 100 representatives of government institutions and agencies, local communities, research institutions and universities, to discuss challenges, case studies and opportunities.
Ms Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, director and Representative of UNESCO Jakarta highlighted the importance of the event to disseminate research studies and water security good practices at local levels, such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient desalination, localized/decentralized wastewater treatment systems, eco-friendly sanitation, and water reuse. She stressed that such interventions should be bolstered by community-based management and public awareness that require collaboration beyond the local capacities of small islands. Challenges, such as marine debris and leaked spills, require close collaboration between tourism sectors and national and local governments, to implement adapted policies.
While tourism development is economically significant for local communities, it also amplifies the demand for freshwater resources and environmental footprints. With limited supplies, fragile ecological capacity, and poor waste treatment infrastructures, it is critical to monitor the delicate balance between economic growth, water security and ecosystem conservation, to prevent mismanagement of water issues that can damage small islands’ allure.
Mr Bapak Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, shared the Indonesian Government's vision for sustainable tourism in small islands providing long-term economic benefits for local communities.
As the largest archipelagic country in the world, Indonesia has great potential in developing sustainable tourism. The country's natural resources and biodiversity can be used wisely to develop a creative economy and an environmentally sound tourism sector.
Ms Katsuno-Hayashikawa mentioned UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, recognized as a living laboratory for sustainable development. Moving forward, UNESCO Jakarta plans to organize a Southeast Asia Biosphere Reserve Network (SeaBRnet) meeting in 2024 on Wakatobi Island, a small touristic island in Indonesia. The idea is to create synergies between SeaBRnet and SIRaD, through a special session on small islands in Southeast Asia.
