Towards water sensitive cities in Asia: an interdisciplinary journey

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Urban Planning
• Social Science

Background:

• Rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change necessitate sustainable urban water management (SUWM) in Asian cities.
• The complexity of SUWM challenges requires integrating diverse knowledge and fostering collaborative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key issues and establish a foundation for interdisciplinary research on SUWM in Asia.
• To propose a framework for guiding interdisciplinary research in urban water management.
• To report on the initial stages of a SUWM research program at Monash University.

Main Methods:

• The research program focuses on three key themes: Technology and Innovation, Urban Planning and Design, and Governance and Society.
• Twelve research projects are being undertaken across Indonesia, China, India, and Bangladesh within these themes.
• An interdisciplinary and outward-looking approach is employed to move beyond single-discipline solutions.

Main Results:

• Identification of key issues and establishment of an interdisciplinary research framework for SUWM in Asia.
• Initiation of 12 research projects across four Asian countries, focusing on technology, planning, and governance.
• Development of an approach to integrate knowledge from different disciplines for practical SUWM solutions.

Conclusions:

• An interdisciplinary framework is crucial for addressing complex SUWM challenges in Asian cities.
• Collaborative research integrating technology, urban planning, and governance can lead to significant on-ground impact.
• The proposed framework and ongoing projects provide a pathway for advancing SUWM practices in Asia.