Water Sensitive Cities in action – International projects update

Climate change, water security and disability inclusion

The Mekong subregion faces significant climate-induced hazards – and people with disabilities are consistently more vulnerable to these hazards because they lack the opportunity, capability and resources for adaptation. 

Policymakers are seeking more information on how to co-develop climate change adaptation policies and initiatives that better meet the needs of people with disabilities. And Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) want to be better able to influence government decision makers and provide research-based evidence that can help.

We recently started 2 interrelated projects that aim to improve outcomes for people with disabilities affected by climate change in the Mekong region.

Exploring the Climate–Disability Nexus in Greater Mekong urban communities

We are working with OPDs, universities, WaterAid, and government agencies in 3 Mekong countries – Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam – to develop and share new research that will build the capacity of OPDs to prepare and respond to disasters. Central to this project is building the capacity of OPDs in each country to collect and analyse information and data about people with disabilities’ exposure to and ability to adapt to climate hazards, and then apply findings to influence policy, planning and practices.

This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Climate Resilient Communities program.

Developing a training curriculum on disability inclusion in the Mekong

We are working with WaterAid Australia and partners in Cambodia and Viet Nam to help foster OPDs' leadership in national climate change and water-related disaster risk reduction. The aim is to strengthen knowledge and capacity on disability inclusion among climate and water stakeholders and leaders. Central to this project is building capacity for government officials, led by OPDs in Vietnam and Cambodia, to plan, design and implement disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The project will also promote cross-regional learning and knowledge exchange on disability inclusion.

This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Water Partnership.

Supporting Nature-based Solutions for Urban Adaptation (NATURA) in Lao PDR

We are partnering with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) on their NATURA project, to enhance the resilience of urban communities in Lao PDR. Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the program is helping to build the capacity of Lao Government officials to plan, design, implement and maintain nature-based solutions (NbS). 

Working together, GGGI and WSCA are undertaking 3 activities.

1. Design and deliver training for Lao PDR Government officials on best practice approaches for building the climate resilience of urban communities using NbS

Running 1–3 October, the training covered topics such as, understanding urban NbS, integrated water management and urban system planning, community engagement in NbS planning and management, operating and maintaining NbS and evaluating the effects of NbS.

2. Design and deliver a study tour to Bangkok for Lao PDR Government officials

In late June, a delegation of Lao PDR Government officials visited several sites around Bangkok that demonstrate a range of NbS in different settings, such as the Thai Government Complex, Chong Nonsi Canal Park, Benjakitti Park and The Forestias Project. 

3. Review the current knowledge base on NbS in Lao PDR, identifying knowledge gaps, research needs and opportunities for knowledge exchange and learning opportunities. 

Working with the National University of Laos (NUoL) we are building a NbS research agenda for Laos.

Green street Co-design Workshop 

Our RUCaS case study in Battambang illustrated how a busy urban street in the city’s historical area could be transformed into a walkable, cool, smart street that responds to heat and floods, and improves accessibility while celebrating the city’s unique culture. 

With diverse stakeholders, we’re developing detailed designs for the central reservation of Road 501, to demonstrate the benefits that NbS can bring to the small park along the road. 

As a first step in realising this vision, RUCaS team members, environmental design experts and local residents and business owners joined representatives from government, civil society organisations and non-government agencies at a co-design workshop in Battambang. 

Workshop participants explored some fundamental questions:

• What should the space do?
• Who is it for?
• What values should guide the design and future use?
• What challenges or barriers should we plan for?
• What types of NbS would work well here?
• What activities or functions make the space more inclusive?

Workshop participants also spent some time on site at Road 501, to better understand and discuss the limitations and potential of the proposed linear park. We greatly appreciate the time and support provided by Battambang Municipality and DFAT colleagues in delivering the workshop.  

Royal Irrigation Department (RID) study tour to Victoria

Water Sensitive Cities Australia (WSCA) hosted a delegation of 20 representatives from Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department (RID) on a study tour to Victoria in August 2025. The visit forms part of an ongoing collaboration to co-develop strategies that integrate conventional engineering with NbS, strengthening resilience to climate change and enhancing water security in Thailand.

The study tour provided RID delegates with first-hand experience of Australian approaches to urban water management and showcased NbS in practice. Insights gained will directly inform strategies to be applied in Thailand and further reinforce the strong partnership between Australia and Thailand in addressing shared water and climate challenges. 

Tours such as this one also help strengthen the long-standing cooperation between Australia and Thailand on water security and climate resilience.