Synthesis Workshop of the project “Sustainability Transformation Across the Region (STAR)” and the project “Science Harnessed for ASEAN Regional Policy (SHARP)”

Background

As outlined by the Sustainability Science Programme at Harvard University’s Center for International Development: “Sustainability Science is an emerging field of problem-driven, interdisciplinary scholarship that seeks to facilitate interventions that foster shared prosperity and reduced poverty while protecting the environment.

It offers integrated scientific learning, with a greater focus on sustainability along with a greater community relevant understanding of the human environmental interrelatedness. The field is defined by the problems it addresses rather than the disciplines it employs. It draws from multiple disciplines of the natural, social, and engineering sciences, from the professions, and from practical filed experience in business, government, and civil society”.

UNESCO office Jakarta, in its capacity as the Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, is implementing the project on “Sustainability Transformation Across the Region (STAR)” supported by Japanese Funds-in-Trust (JFIT) and the project “Science Harnessed for ASEAN Regional Policy (SHARP)” supported by Malaysian Funds-In-Trust (MFIT) in order to implement sustainability science approach to solve water related socio-environmental issues.

Existing frameworks and models developed through a multilevel (community, pilot area and national level) participatory process and involving several regional institutions, universities, research institutes and other governmental institutions have been assessed through the implementation of these projects which have been implemented and demonstration sites have been established in three countries across the region:

• Siem Reap, Cambodia: “Establishment of Sustainable Science Demonstration Project on Restoring and Enhancing Angkor World Heritage Site and Siem Reap City Water Systems”.
• Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines: “Establishment of Sustainable Science Demonstration Project on Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras”.
• Langat River Basin, Malaysia: “Establishment of Sustainable Science Demonstration Project on Restoring and Managing Langat River, Malaysia for Future”.
• Langkawi Geopark, Malaysia: “Establishment of Sustainability Science Demonstration Site on Water and Environmental Sustainability Education Linked With Ecotourism in Langkawi Geopark”.
• Davao, Philippines: Demonstration site on “Enhancing Resilience to Disasters of Urban Water Systems of Mindanao”.

The project is contributing to deliver a clear understanding of sustainability science approach to implement it and produce outcomes at local and regional levels including policy aspects. In addition, a platform will be established as the depository of sustainability science best practices and development of a regional framework and tools.

Scope of the Workshop

The synthesis workshop brings the partners and stakeholders which have been involved in the implementation of the projects to share results of their activities and studies. These stakeholders will share the challenges and difficulties encountered during the implementation phase as well as the solutions adopted or proposed.This workshop is organized with the valuable support of the Malaysian Funds-in-Trust and Japan Funds-in-Trust.