^{22 March 2018}

^{World Water Day RISE Community Workshop - Makassar, Indonesia}

World Water Day 2018 asks, “How can we use nature to overcome the water challenges of the 21^st Century – floods, droughts and water pollution?”

RISE aims to help answer this question by testing nature-based solutions to water management in informal settlements across Indonesia and Fiji. Increasing resilience against pollution, flooding, spread of disease, and the effects of climate change, program success will be measured by improved human health and environmental biodiversity.

On World Water Day, RISE hosted a workshop for community representatives – Kelompok Pengelola Lingkungan (KePoLink) – from the settlements in Makassar, Indonesia, participating in the program.

The workshop provided an opportunity for the KePoLink to learn more about RISE, share their experiences, and discuss the health and environmental challenges facing their settlements. Participants included the RISE Indonesia team, key representatives from partner Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), and local government officials.

RISE Indonesia Coordinator, Jane Wardani, emphasised the importance of bringing the KePoLink together to exchange experiences, discuss ideas and share common challenges. “The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for the KePoLink to gather together for the first time and discuss the program,” said Ms Wardani.

“They play an important role as community representatives, building strong cooperation between the program and their communities. They are excited about the RISE research – how it will improve their understanding of community health and of the surrounding environment. RISE is very grateful for the ongoing support the program has received from the communities, local leaders, our government counterparts, and UNHAS.”

Professor Budu, UNHAS Vice Rector for International Collaboration, said, “UNHAS is excited to be part of the global RISE team, collaborating on an ambitious program with the potential to significantly improve the lives of thousands of people in Makassar.”

The Makassar City Government is providing ongoing support for RISE's research, collaborating with numerous government agencies to streamline the implementation process. Pak Imbang Muliyanto, from the Makassar City Government, said, “The City of Makassar welcomes and fully supports RISE for handling the water sanitation issues in the informal settlements.”

Working in 12 informal settlements and one demonstration site in Makassar, RISE is trialling nature-based solutions – such as constructed wetlands and bio-filtration gardens – to reduce pollution in the environment and human contact with pollution. The program aims to deliver research-based evidence that a localised, water-sensitive cities approach can deliver sustainable, cost-effective health and environmental improvements.

^{UNHAS Focal Point for RISE, Ancha Ansariadi presents RISE's research plans to community members.}