| We are pleased to share that we have officially launched our program, Supporting Water Governance for Improved Industrial Wastewater Quality and Water Quality Policy and Regulation in Indonesia and Vietnam. This program, running from now until June 2026, is a part of the Phase 3 program at the Australian Water Partnership with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading. This program tackles one of Southeast Asia’s most pressing ESG challenges – industrial water pollution – by exploring how water is governed, regulated, and managed. Through co-created policies, inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships, and climate-resilient regulatory frameworks, it will lead to cleaner rivers, healthier communities, and stronger, more transparent institutions. The long term result: sustainable industrial growth that protects ecosystems, strengthens social equity, and builds long-term climate resilience in Vietnam and Indonesia. Industrial wastewater pollution is a growing and urgent concern across Southeast Asia, posing serious risks to water quality, ecosystems, and public health. Vietnam and Indonesia are at the forefront of this challenge, grappling with fragmented regulations, limited enforcement capacity, and underdeveloped monitoring systems. At the same time, there is a clear and increasing demand for practical, inclusive, and climate-resilient water governance solutions. Water stewardship provides a practical, collaborative framework for solving complex water challenges. Water stewardship supports national priorities and helps deliver improved on-ground environmental, social, governance and economic outcomes for communities, industries, and ecosystems. Together with our trusted local partners, Water Stewardship Vietnam (WSVN ) and Water Stewardship Indonesia (WSI), this initiative works through local and national partnerships to align industry practices with water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development goals. We are creating impact by: > Co-creating water quality strategies tailored to national and basin contexts. > Strengthening regulation and enforcement mechanisms. > Improving water quality data for climate-smart decision-making. > Ensuring more inclusive and accountable industrial water management. > Strengthening bilateral ties and regional water governance leadership. This initiative is unique because it combines regulatory reform, capacity building, and inclusive governance in a single, co-created approach. Instead of focusing only on technical fixes or policy papers, this project: > Directly involves government, industry, and communities in designing and piloting practical solutions. > Embeds Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles into every aspect of regulation and implementation, ensuring outcomes don’t just exist on paper but work for everyone. > Connects industrial water management to climate resilience, making sure regulations can adapt to floods, droughts, and shifting climate risks. > Creates a regional learning platform so Vietnam and Indonesia can share lessons and scale success across Southeast Asia. In kicking off the project in Indonesia, the Australian Water Partnership (AWP), Water Stewardship Asia Pacific (WSAP), and Water Stewardship Indonesia (WSI), together with the Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, convened a Government Coordination Workshop on the 23rd June. Speakers from across the national government and river basin authorities presented the challenges and opportunities of catchments across the country. The next steps included how the group can work together to get stronger collaboration across water planning. Sandra Hall (WSAP CEO) and Megan McLeod (WSAP Program Director) will travel to Vietnam this month to meet with the National Departments, and leading Institute and Industry stakeholders. Thanks to the incredible commitment and expertise of our diverse team and stakeholders – spanning governments, industries, communities, and knowledge partners – who share a vision for cleaner water, stronger institutions, and a fairer, more resilient future. Together, we invite you to follow our journey in proving that sustainable change is not only possible, but already underway. |
