Sustainable Solutions for Global Water Challenges: WE4F at the 10th World Water Forum

The sustainability of water resources has become a pressing global issue. With the sharp increase in population and industrial growth, global water needs have surged, while environmental degradation and climate change have made quality, sustainable water increasingly scarce.

The 10th World Water Forum in Bali emerged as a hub of innovation and collaboration, striving for a sustainable and inclusive future. The event centered on solutions for water sustainability, in line with the themes of prosperity and resilience. It called on world leaders to enhance cooperation and tackle global water challenges together.

Representing the WE4F South and Southeast Asia (S/SEA) Regional Innovation Hub, the S/SEA team hosted the side event, “Accelerating the Adoption of Agricultural Water Innovations: Insights from the Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) Program.”

Participants from Indonesia, South and Southeast Asia, and other countries attended the side event. Three WE4F innovators—Claro Energy from India, Komodo Water from Indonesia, and MimosaTEK from Vietnam—shared their insights on water-saving technology, strategies to promote adoption among end-users, challenges faced by smallholder farmers and fishermen, and collaboration with other stakeholders.

The event was opened by Radtasiri (Bes) Wachirapunyanont, S/SEA Hub Manager, who emphasized, “Water security and sustainable use of water are important in the water-energy-food nexus management. However, more collaborative effort is required to promote the adoption of these technologies at the farm level to ensure equitable access to clean water for all communities. Our commitment to fostering innovation through accelerating SMEs and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders will pave the way for a more resilient and water-secure future in South and Southeast Asia.”

Following the kickoff by Bes, Tri Minh Khac Nguyen, Founder and CEO of MimosaTEK, discussed their IoT-enabled drip irrigation, their successes and challenges with increasing adoption, social-environmental impact, and collaboration with the government and other partners.

“We have seen firsthand the transformative impact of our IoT-enabled drip irrigation system. This technology not only conserves water but also boosts crop yields and empowers smallholder farmers. Despite the challenges in widespread adoption, our collaborations with the government and various partners have been crucial in driving social and environmental benefits across the region.”

Gaurav Kumar, Co-founder and Director of Claro Energy, also shared their sustainable irrigation technology, its environmental and community impact, and the expected government support.

“We are proud to pioneer sustainable irrigation technology that not only addresses environmental concerns but also makes a positive impact on local communities. Our solutions aim to enhance agricultural productivity while conserving water resources. We are grateful for the expected government support, which will further catalyze our efforts in creating a more sustainable future.”

“We are proud to pioneer sustainable irrigation technology that not only addresses environmental concerns but also makes a positive impact on local communities. Our solutions aim to enhance agricultural productivity while conserving water resources. We are grateful for the expected government support, which will further catalyze our efforts in creating a more sustainable future.”

Continuing the trend of highlighting social and environmental impact, Shana Fatina, Founder and CEO of Komodo Water, presented its solutions for community water access in agriculture and the fishery sector, including solar-powered reverse osmosis, solar-powered ice block machines, and smart irrigation systems.  

“From solar-powered reverse osmosis systems to ice block machines, and smart irrigation systems, we are revolutionizing how communities access and manage water resources. Our aim is to create a more resilient and prosperous future for all, powered by innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, even in the last miles.”

CEO Shana Fatina at the 10th WWF 2024

The panelists shared impactful stories about their water-saving innovations, which have significantly contributed to the South Asia and Southeast Asia regions. Key insights from the discussion include:

1. Adoption of innovation: determined by simple and user-friendly products, the right target market, appropriate training, and end-user financing support.
2. Collaboration and government support: crucial for scaling up, including providing space for small-medium enterprises, financing and subsidy schemes, research, and education.
3. Innovative financing: needed in the initial stages for scaling up, such as blended financing.

Participation of the S/SEA Hub in this prominent international conference offered valuable networking and exchange opportunities. It enabled the team to highlight WE4F as a leading model in the nexus of water-saving innovation and global endeavors to address pressing challenges.

For more information about WE4F South and Southeast Asia Regional Innovation Hub, please visit www.WE4F.org/Asia or contact Radtasiri Wachirapunyanont at R.Wachirapunyanont@tetratech.com and Kunto Binawan at kbinawan@devworks.org.

Source: https://we4f.org/

WE4F at the 10th World Water Forum

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