Climate change, water security and disability inclusion

To improve this situation, policymakers in the region want more information on how to co-develop climate change adaptation policies and initiatives that better meet the needs of people with disabilities. Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) want to be better able to influence government decision makers and provide research-based evidence that can help. 

Exploring the Climate–Disability Nexus in Greater Mekong urban communities

With the support of Australia's Climate Resilient Communities program, WSCA and WaterAid are working with OPDs, non-government organisations, universities and government agencies in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam to develop and share new research that will build the capacity of OPDs to prepare and respond to climate hazards. 

One of the early outputs of this project is a rapid literature review that documents the unique challenges people with disabilities face, for example:

• People with disability often do not receive information in the right format for their needs or in a timely fashion, limiting their ability to respond.
• Women with disabilities are often excluded from preparedness learning and activities.
• People with disabilities experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality in disasters.
• Shelters often lack appropriate access and facilities.
• People with disabilities can experience longer and protracted displacement after events.

Developing a training curriculum on disability inclusion in the Mekong

WaterAid and WSCA are working with local partners in Cambodia and Vietnam to develop a training program for public officials, developed and delivered by OPDs. The aim is to strengthen knowledge and capacity on disability inclusion among climate and water stakeholders and leaders. 

The project team delivered a workshop in Phnom Penh in December 2025, bringing together representatives from government, OPDs and water stakeholders to:

• share their knowledge and experience
• identify and harvest lessons that can be included in the training curriculum
• build the relationships and connections needed to implement the training curriculum.

Insights gained from the workshop will inform curriculum development and piloting. 

Inclusive and Equitable Urban Nature-based Solutions: A Practical Guide

In December 2025, we released a new guide on creating inclusive and equitable urban NbS, helping practitioners plan, develop, implement and evaluate NbS projects that address urban issues in a way that’s equitable, fair and just for those most in need. 

It offers guidance and suggestions on inclusive development at every stage of the project life cycle, e.g.

• Consult community when designing projects 
• Provide facilities that people with disabilities, children and the elderly can use
• Install clear walking routes, and include lighting and shade
• Consider emergency access and egress
• Create operations and maintenance roles for local teams.

Scaling water sensitive urban NbS for equitable and lasting impact

Disability representatives from DP Hanoi, Cambodian Disabled Person’s Organization and Laos Disabled People’s Association helped us deliver a workshop at the International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress in Bangkok (December 2025).

Drawing on real-world examples in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, WSCA team members and partner organisations guided participants as they considered some key questions: 

• How can cities plan and develop so that NbS are built and everyone is included?
• How can we fund NbS in ways that also support inclusion and climate-resilient water management?
• How can NbS projects be co-designed with communities and under-represented groups?
• How can NbS create fair and inclusive livelihood opportunities (e.g. through maintenance, stewardship or new green jobs)?
• How can we track both environmental results and who benefits from NbS?