Collaborative and sustainable approaches for water challenges for the Welang Watershed
The Government of Indonesia, through the East Java Province, and the Government of the Netherlands continue their collaboration in addressing water challenges in the Welang Watershed, Indonesia.
The Welang Watershed project, carried out by a Dutch-Indonesian consortium, is entering a second phase which will last until July 2024. Through a process of co-creation, the project aims to facilitate a multi-stakeholder approach, identify sustainable solutions and make a significant impact on water security.
Rapid urban and economic developments in the Welang Watershed have created a wide range of water challenges. Erosion on slopes, sedimentation in rivers, urban flooding and water distribution issues are just a few of these challenges. During the first project phase, from November 2020 to March 2022, a Dutch-Indonesian consortium analysed the key challenges in the watershed and designed a 'Welang River Basin Management and Master Plan'.
A multi-stakeholder approach
As many stakeholders are involved in both the problems and solutions, this second project phase will adopt a multi-stakeholder approach by following three guiding principles:
- Achieving practical co-creation results which are compatible with in the Indonesian water framework;
- creating replicable solutions without substantial external support; and,
- fostering an environment where local resources are mobilised for joint solutions.
Dutch-Indonesian consortium
The project will be implemented by a Dutch-Indonesian parties consisting of three organisations: Witteveen + Bos who will provide overall management and expertise in hydraulic modeling and expertise; Nuffic Neso who will ensure the institutional integration of the co-created solutions and the involvement of students, and AidEnvironment will organise community participation and agricultural solutions.
This consortium represents a concerted effort to address Indonesia’s water challenges through collaborative and sustainable approaches.
Three stages
The second phase of the Welang Watershed project, taking place from September to July 2024, will consist of three stages: inception, co-creation and design, and roadmap development. By engaging stakeholders, communities and trusted advisors, the consortium partners will develop customised solutions that have been approved by local communities and stakeholders.
Funded by Partners for Water
The project is financed by Partners for Water Programme under the Memorandum of Understanding on Water Management between the governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands.
The Partners for Water Programme is an initiative of the Dutch Government that addresses water security worldwide. This is accomplished through long-term cooperation between local partners and the Dutch water sector.
The programme sparks knowledge sharing, innovations and an integrated working approach. In this way, it creates a positive impact in the field of water safety and water security for people, plants and animals.
