Inclusion by design

“Inclusive communities require collective action.”

That was the clear message from all the speakers at our recent webinar exploring how urban nature-based solutions (NbS) can be designed to benefit everyone.

Speakers from across the greater Mekong region shared practical examples of inclusive NbS design, implementation and operation:

Ms Souphanny Singsayyachack (GRET, Lao PDR) discussed the central role wetland committees play in designing and implementing a household-scale greywater treatment plant to manage wastewater inflows and protect Luang Prabang’s heritage ponds.
Dr Dinh Diep Anh Tuan (Can Tho University, Vietnam) highlighted the active role women’s groups are playing in developing options to manage water and wastewater in Can Tho, creating spaces to plant and harvest vegetables to generate income.
Dr Phanith Chou (Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia) emphasised the importance of local evidence about the benefits and costs of NbS and building local technical capacity.
Ms Rosalind Amornpitakpun (Department of Climate Change and Environment, Thailand) explained how developing accessible public open spaces in Bangkok benefited people with disabilities and the elderly, but also attracted younger people to these spaces.

We thank them for sharing their experiences and insights. Thanks also to Ms Huyen Do (DP Hanoi, Vietnam) and Mr Mean Vibolratanak (Cambodian Disabled People’s Organisation, Cambodia) who moderated the session and questions from the audience.

Supporting inclusive NbS in practice

Events such as this webinar help build awareness, technical capacity and confidence to design, implement, operate and maintain inclusive NbS. Resources such as the Inclusive and Equitable Urban Nature-based Solutions: A Practical Guide and summary brochure developed through the Australian Government supported Resilient Urban Centres and Surrounds (RUCaS) program also provide practical guidance on planning and delivering NbS in ways that are more inclusive, equitable and effective.