Co-Producing Solutions: Composting for Healthier Communities

Working in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Zero Waste, and the eThekwini Municipality Agroecology Unit, �鶹��Ƶ students and community members co-designed and implemented a composting initiative that responds directly to local waste management challenges.

Following training sessions and hands-on implementation, community members began transforming organic waste—such as old vegetables and household wet waste—into compost. This not only reduces the volume of waste in the settlement but also addresses critical public health concerns. With inconsistent waste collection, uncollected refuse often becomes a breeding ground for pests, particularly rats. Composting offers a practical, locally driven solution to this issue.

The initiative also reflects the importance of building local partnerships. A nearby supermarket, which previously disposed of its waste into the river, is now contributing wet waste to the composting system—reducing environmental pollution and strengthening community-led environmental stewardship.

Through �鶹��Ƶ, this work goes beyond training—it is about building long-term capacity. The community has taken ownership of the process, ensuring that composting continues as a sustainable, embedded practice. 

Figure.1&2– Quarry Road residents and �鶹��Ƶ students at a community composting site. 

Innovation in Context: Vertical Gardening

In response to the spatial constraints of informal settlements, the initiative introduced vertical gardening—a low-cost, adaptable solution for urban food production.

Using recycled materials such as wooden pallets and old sacks, community members in Quarry Road developed vertical gardens that maximise limited space while reinforcing principles of reuse and sustainability. A demonstration site was established at one household, creating a living learning space where knowledge can be shared and adapted across the community.

This reflects a core �鶹��Ƶ principle: solutions must be locally appropriate, resource-conscious, and driven by the realities of the communities they serve.

Figure. 3- Vertical Gardening Initiative at Quarry Road informal settlement 

Peer-to-Peer Learning: Extending Impact to Pholani

A defining feature of �鶹��Ƶ Africa is the emphasis on knowledge exchange. The success in Quarry Road created an opportunity to extend the initiative to Pholani through a “training the trainers” model.

Community members from Quarry Road, supported by Zero Waste and �鶹��Ƶ students, facilitated composting training for the Pholani community. This peer-led approach strengthens local ownership and ensures that knowledge is transferred in ways that are accessible and contextually relevant.

In Pholani, where land is available adjacent to the settlement, community members cleared and prepared the area for planting. With support from the UKZN team, seedlings were provided and a variety of crops were planted, including spinach, potatoes, onions, mealies, and green peppers—contributing to improved food security and livelihoods.

Figure. 3: Food Gardening at Pholani Informal Settlement- Figure.4: Making of Swales at Pholani Informal Settlement. 

Responding to Challenges Together

As with many community-led initiatives, challenges remain. Limited access to water, a lack of gardening tools, and the need for secure fencing have been identified as ongoing barriers. Additionally, environmental pressures such as flooding and wildlife—particularly monkeys—pose risks to crop sustainability.

True to the �鶹��Ƶ model, these challenges are not addressed in isolation. Through continued collaboration, adaptive solutions are being explored. For example, Zero Waste facilitated training on swales—a technique that helps manage water flow and prevent crops from being washed away in flood-prone areas.

Building Resilient, Connected Communities

The greening of Quarry Road and Pholani demonstrates what is possible when communities, universities, and local partners work together through the �鶹��Ƶ framework. This is not just about environmental improvement—it is about strengthening relationships, building local capacity, and supporting communities to lead change in their own contexts.

Through initiatives like these, �鶹��Ƶ Africa Durban continues to foster inclusive, community-driven innovation—showing that sustainable urban futures are built through collaboration, trust, and shared knowledge.

By: Nkosinathi Mncwabe

�鶹��Ƶ Africa Durban Coordinator

Building on a well-established history of effective partnership and collaboration for transformative urban change, the University of Zambia (UNZA) partnered with the Lusaka City Council (LCC) and local community institutions under the �鶹��Ƶ framework. The initiative aimed to address urban problems by intervening with research conducted by students, engagement with the communities, and the development of holistic but strategic and implementable spatial plans. Guided by the application of academic potential and local knowledge and lived experience, the project sought to plan a climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable city for Lusaka. The collaboration was the perfect ground to close the gap between university, local authorities, and civil society, fostering a participatory urban planning with vulnerable urban groups in mind. This project offered an opportunity for building tripartite partnership for sustainable urban development in an African context. The partnership involves universities, local government and society. This form of collaboration lacks in many African cities, and �鶹��Ƶ Model offers real possibilities for scaling up partnership-based action for sustainable interventions that address issues affecting the most vulnerable.  

The �鶹��Ƶ Lusaka project also aimed to integrate innovative solutions such as urban re-naturing, green infrastructure, and smart technologies into the city’s development plans. By focusing on sustainability and resilience, the initiative aimed to transform Lusaka into a model city for climate-smart urban planning. This initiative not only addressed immediate urban challenges but also laid the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.

To help solve this issue, over 38 master’s students and 10 academics from UNZA’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies were brought together to analyze urban development challenges and propose solutions. This was part of the MSc in Spatial Planning Degree teaching programme, MSc in geography and MSc in Environment and Natural Resources. Other courses are Regional Planning and Development, Urban Geography and Planning from the undergraduate classes. The project focused on key issues such as waste management, transportation inefficiencies, role of special economic zones for creating jobs within a sprawling and fast-paced urban sector in Lusaka, role of environmental management frameworks, land use practices, and climate change vulnerability. Students produced three spatial development frameworks for Lusaka, which were shared with the Lusaka City Council and other stakeholders, in order to improve the ongoing formulation of the Lusaka Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Regional Development Plan. 

The �鶹��Ƶ Lusaka project successfully developed actionable plans and information to support Lusaka’s urban development. The plans made by students provided new concepts and information to complement city plans, focusing on climate resilience, sustainability, and inclusion. The plans emphasized green infrastructure, compact urban form, and community participation in addressing urban issues. The project also raised awareness of flood risks and waste management issues among vulnerable communities, encouraging greater community participation in urban development.

One of the key achievements of the project was the creation of detailed maps and spatial frameworks that highlighted critical issues such as waste disposal sites, flood-prone areas, and transport inefficiencies and role of special economic zones in driving job creation. These outputs provided the Lusaka City Council with valuable insights for improving urban planning and resource allocation. The reports and slide decks by students provided an innovative ‘primer’ for integrated development plans at city and regional scales in Lusaka. Additionally, the project-built capacity among city officials and community leaders, strengthening their ability to address urban challenges through training and collaborative workshops.

The project also encouraged enhanced collaboration between local government, the university, and communities, offering an avenue for open discussion and exchange of ideas. The collaboration not only enhanced the quality of urban planning but also ensured that marginalized groups were heard and integrated into the process of development. The �鶹��Ƶ Lusaka project was a demonstration of how academic-community collaborations could lead to concrete enhancement of urban development.

Building on the success of the �鶹��Ƶ Lusaka project, future efforts will focus on disseminating the student-produced development plans with the Lusaka City Council and other stakeholders in the future. The project will also support government-led slum upgrading interventions, particularly in informal settlements like Kanyama and Kalikiliki. Strengthening collaboration among different actors, including government agencies, private entities, and local communities, will be a key priority for the future of urban development strategies in and around Lusaka.

By leveraging visual arts and technology, community engagement, and academic research, the �鶹��Ƶ Lusaka project has laid the groundwork for transforming Lusaka into a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient city. The approach can serve as a model for other cities facing similar urban challenges.

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Ada Inman

Building on the groundbreaking success of Phase 1 of this work, which established a community-based flood early warning system (CBFEWS) in the Quarry Road West community that saved hundreds of lives during the April 2022 floods which caused unprecedented damage in eThekwini Municipality, Phase 2 of this long-term initiative represents a significant expansion of this work into other informal communities.

At the core of this initiative is the �鶹��Ƶ approach, with the �鶹��Ƶ Durban program serving as a central platform through which students and faculty at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, contribute directly to flood adaptation strategies. A key component of the �鶹��Ƶ Durban program has been the involvement of 52 postgraduate students from UKZN’s School of Built Environment and Development Studies. Through courses like Special Studies B and Environment and Development, these students have contributed vital work, including flood risk mapping and settlement profiling, design of climate communication tools in isiZulu and English, development of practical solutions like flood-resilient bridges, community workshops on disaster preparedness, food gardening with composting and evaluation of innovative sanitation systems.

In parallel, the INACCT (Designing Inclusive African Coastal City Resilience) Resilience project, led by ICLEI Africa in partnership with UKZN, eThekwini Municipality, Eduardo Mondlane University, in Mozambique and the Beira Mozambique local government, builds on this model by emphasizing collaborative urban resilience planning across coastal African cities. More information about the INACCT Resilience project can be found .

Together, these collaborative streams are being integrated through the CBFEWS, with the intention to replicate this approach throughout the city, and potentially in many other African cities too.

This initiative also includes:

1. Expanding the life-saving early warning system to additional vulnerable communities, incorporating new technologies and community training programs to ensure wider participation and shared learning across settlements.

2. Restoring and rehabilitating damaged ecosystems to strengthen food sovereignty.
This includes community food gardens and composting initiatives designed to improve local food security and community well-being.

3. Strengthening ecosystem resilience through Community-Ecosystem-based Adaptation (CEBA). This involves riverbank stabilization efforts using indigenous plant species to prevent land erosion during floods, alongside community-led indigenous tree planting initiatives aimed at reducing urban heat during summer months.

4. Developing a risk profile of vulnerably located settlements in these two cities. In Durban, this will align with and support the City’s existing informal settlement categorization process, where low risk settlements can be upgraded with the provision of services, and high risk settlements can be prioritised for re-settlement.

5. Evaluating and upgrading waste management programs in informal communities, addressing a critical factor that exacerbates flooding when debris clogs natural drainage systems. This includes innovative partnerships with NPOs like Green Corridors and alignment with the national government’s Presidential Employment Programme (PEP) funding that supports Durban’s Incremental Upgrading Strategy.

6. Waste management efforts have also substantially reduced the amount of waste lying around the settlement, which in the past attracted vermin like rats, which in turn attracted highly venomous snake species, like the black mamba, presenting a risk to the community (albeit that these snakes were also providing a service). To respond to that threat, ten community members were trained as snake monitors to identify venomous species which were rescued by a local snake expert. With the removal of solid waste, snakes have become much less of an issue.

Supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (USA), START International, the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) project, the INACCT Resilience project, and the Wellcome Trust, this multi-phase initiative represents Durban’s long-term commitment to building resilience in its informal settlements.

By addressing early warning systems, ecosystem rehabilitation, waste management, and policy integration, the success in Durban provides a replicable model for cities facing similar climate challenges.

The project’s legacy directs several primary areas for building upon its successes. Upscaling the community-based flood early warning system (CBFEWS) for floods to Durban’s entire high-risk area is a short-term priority capable of saving many lives from future violent weather and climate events.

The emphasis on integrating scientific research with local knowledge has opened new paths for urban resilience planning. With Durban continuing to grapple with the intersection of urbanization, inequality, climate change, and informality, this initiative is a great example of how universities can act as bridges between communities and policymakers. True resilience is rarely ever a product of top-down solutions but more often comes about from coalitions like this one that respects and embraces cross-cultural  experiences and knowledge in the face of shared threats.

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze

Bandung City, Indonesia, faces severe challenges related to climate change, urban flooding, air pollution, and rising temperatures, all threatening infrastructure, public health, and economic stability. Frequent and severe flooding has displaced residents and damaged roads and drainage systems, with recent water levels reaching as high as 170 centimeters. The rise in private vehicle ownership and outdated public transport infrastructure have led to persistent air pollution, worsening respiratory diseases and increasing healthcare costs. Additionally, the loss of green spaces has exacerbated the urban heat island effect, making parts of the city significantly hotter and less resilient to extreme weather events. Without effective interventions, Bandung risks continued environmental degradation, economic losses from congestion, and long-term climate vulnerabilities.

The Opportunity

Recognizing the escalating risks posed by climate change, local authorities in Bandung saw an opportunity to leverage academic expertise and community participation to create sustainable solutions. The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Local Planning and Development Agency (Bappeda), and the Environmental Protection Agency (BPLHD) formed a collaboration to address these challenges by mitigating urban flooding, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving air quality through innovative urban planning and public engagement. This work aligns with Bandung’s broader vision for a climate-resilient city, integrating research and community action to create long-term environmental solutions.

This consultancy also provided an opportunity to adopt the �鶹��Ƶ Model and become part of the �鶹��Ƶ (�鶹��Ƶ), a global initiative that fosters partnerships between universities and cities to solve real-world urban challenges. By embedding the �鶹��Ƶ Model into its curriculum and research efforts, ITB has established a framework that strengthens collaborations between students, faculty, policymakers, and local communities. This approach ensures that climate resilience efforts are scientifically informed, locally driven, and community-focused.

Collaboration with local government agencies has been crucial in supporting Bandung’s long-term climate adaptation goals. Bappeda and BPLHD have provided policy support, regulatory frameworks, and coordination mechanisms to align academic research with municipal priorities. This ongoing work has created a scalable model for sustainable urban development in Bandung by integrating community-driven urban planning with government-backed environmental strategies.

Our Partnership

Nurrohman Wijaya, Ph.D., an assistant professor of urban and regional planning at ITB, spearheaded the partnership between ITB, local government agencies, and community groups. This collaboration focused on integrating climate-resilient development strategies into community-led urban initiatives. ITB introduced new technologies and adaptive urban designs, ensuring that interventions addressed specific community needs while aligning with climate adaptation goals.

One of the most impactful programs resulting from this partnership is Buruan SAE Sabedug, an initiative designed to expand urban green spaces and promote sustainable urban agriculture. The program focused on transforming underutilized areas into community-driven green spaces, empowering residents to cultivate vegetables such as chilies, bok choy, eggplant, and shallots using hydroponics, soil-based farming, organic tower gardens (OTGs), and aquaponics. These techniques maximize urban space, improve food security, and enhance environmental resilience, particularly in flood-prone and drought-affected areas.

With support from the Bandung City Government, the program also addressed water resource management challenges. Initiatives included installing water pumps to mitigate drought impacts and planting trees to reduce flooding risks. These efforts increased local green spaces, improved community resilience, and fostered environmental stewardship among residents. Through active participation in planting and maintenance, the program strengthened community engagement in climate action, creating a self-sustaining model of urban adaptation.

Courses Involved

The consultancy was embedded into multiple courses at ITB, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world urban challenges. Students from the following courses actively contributed to this support effort:

• Planning Process Studio – Focused on community assessments, participatory planning, and designing climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Community Planning and Development Process – Addressed social, economic, and environmental factors in urban adaptation strategies.
• Sustainable Urban Development – Explored policy frameworks, land-use planning, and nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
• Transportation and Environmental Management – Examined urban mobility, air pollution, and traffic-related environmental concerns.

Students engaged in field research, community consultations, and urban planning exercises, working closely with local government agencies to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

The Result

Preliminary findings from this work indicate that community-led urban greening initiatives significantly enhance climate resilience. The initiative has successfully mitigated flood risks, improved air quality, and strengthened community participation in sustainability efforts by integrating urban agriculture, water management strategies, and adaptive land use planning. The Buruan SAE Sabedug program has already contributed to increasing urban green spaces, reducing heat island effects, and enhancing biodiversity in key districts of Bandung.

Students from ITB have been actively involved in documenting project outcomes, analyzing environmental impacts, and presenting their findings at national and international conferences. The consultancy has encouraged students to develop innovative solutions that align with Bandung’s climate adaptation policies, ensuring that academic research translates into practical, real-world impact.

As part of their coursework, students also interviewed community members, urban farmers, and local policymakers to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure projects. Their research findings were submitted to Bappeda and BPLHD, providing valuable insights that could inform future climate adaptation policies and urban resilience planning.

Additionally, the consultancy has influenced Bandung’s approach to integrating urban agriculture with municipal planning. By demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of localized food production, this work has paved the way for policy discussions on expanding similar programs across the city.

Faculty at ITB, particularly Assistant Professor Wijaya, are committed to sustaining and expanding these climate adaptation efforts. Plans are already in place to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, integrate new technologies, and strengthen policy engagement with government agencies.

Looking Ahead

The success of this work highlights the importance of scaling climate resilience efforts across Bandung. Moving forward, ITB aims to expand the reach of community-driven sustainability initiatives, incorporating them into additional courses such as Planning Process Studio and Community Planning and Development Process. The initiative will also be opened to students from other study programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and broader participation in urban climate action.

Strengthening partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations remains a priority, focusing on expanding the network of collaborators and securing long-term funding. The next phase of this support effort aims to develop a strategic plan or policy brief for the Bandung City Government, outlining scalable models for climate-resilient urban development.

Partnership Contact Information

Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)
Assistant Professor Dr. Nurrohman Wijaya

nurrohman.wijaya@itb.ac.id

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakde

The Problem

Permatang Pauh’s paddy farmers were facing two critical challenges: inefficient agricultural waste management and shrinking incomes. The burning of paddy husk post-harvest contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deteriorating air quality, and increasing health risks. Many farmers relied on outdated practices, with over 80% resorting to open burning. With most farmers nearing retirement age and limited exposure to modern farming methods, their ability to generate sustainable income was severely impacted. The community needed a solution to both reduce environmental harm and increase the farmers’ profitability.

The Opportunity

Recognizing that better waste management could lead to environmental and economic benefits, the �鶹��Ƶ Model was adopted to empower farmers and youth. If local farmers could learn sustainable practices like composting and aquaponics, they could turn agricultural waste into valuable organic compost, boost crop yield, and diversify their income. The project envisioned a greener future through smart farming, where knowledge-sharing between academia, local government, and industry could spark lasting change.

The Partnership

The project was led by Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) in partnership with the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Urbanest Sdn Bhd. Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli from UPSI spearheaded the initiative, bringing expertise from university professors and students. “This collaboration bridges the gap between academia and the real-world challenges farmers face,” said Prof. Che Zalina. The Green Edu Centre, the first of its kind in Malaysia, provided the training ground for the 42 farmers and youth. “We aim to localize the technology, making it accessible and affordable for the community,” said a representative from Urbanest. MBSP’s involvement ensured the program aligned with local government initiatives to promote sustainability. Together, the partnership trained participants in composting, aquaponics, and fertigation techniques, all designed to reduce environmental damage while increasing income potential.

The Result

The results were immediate and promising. “97.5% of participants rated the program 4 or 5 stars,” said Karthigayan Gunasegaran, a project lead from UPSI. Farmers who had never received formal training before learned how to turn agricultural waste into organic compost, drastically reducing their reliance on harmful practices like open burning. “The training gave us the tools we needed to not only protect our land but also make more money,” shared one local farmer. The Green Edu Centre is now a hub for ongoing research and community education, ensuring the knowledge continues to grow beyond the initial project.

Looking Ahead

The partnership is committed to continuing its support for farmers in Permatang Pauh. Plans are already in place for follow-up training sessions that will focus on expanding smart farming techniques to more farmers. With the right funding, the program will also incorporate an agro-business component, helping farmers access new markets and reduce their reliance on traditional wholesale channels. The journey toward sustainable, smart farming is just beginning, and the partnership aims to keep the momentum going for years to come.

Partnership Contact Information

Seberang Perai City Council Contact
Mr. Chew Eng Seng
Local Agenda 21 Officer
Seberang Perai City Council
eschew@mbsp.gov.my

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

The local community has experienced diminishing fish stocks, reduced income, and deteriorating natural resources. These challenges, coupled with the pressing issue of climate change, have exacerbated the community’s vulnerability. It is crucial to recognize the need for enhanced environmental awareness and effective sustainable resource management. As community members fight to adapt to these hardships, they must also find ways to preserve their environment, which is essential for their livelihoods and future well-being.

The opportunity arose with the partnership between the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and the local government of Dumangas. Recognizing that raising awareness and equipping the community with knowledge about climate change and biodiversity conservation could turn the tide, the project sought to empower local stakeholders. By implementing an Environmental Awareness Program, the project aimed to educate residents on sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and improve their livelihoods.

This initiative was also aligned with broader goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 on climate action, SDG 14 on marine conservation, and SDG 15 on biodiversity conservation. By addressing the root of environmental degradation through education and community involvement, the project saw the potential for long-term sustainability and greater protection of marine resources.

The partnership between ISAT U and the Municipality of Dumangas was central to this initiative. Ms. Flosel P. Almirante, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, led the project in Dumangas, working closely with Mr. Eric D. De la Vega, the academic liaison from ISAT U. Together, they integrated practical environmental challenges into the university’s curriculum, engaging students across various disciplines such as Environmental Science, Research, IT/Multimedia Systems, and Architectural Drafting.

Collaboration extended beyond the university and local government to include national and international organizations like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). These partners provided technical expertise, funding, and resources, creating a robust framework for the project’s success.

“The partnership between ISAT U and our community has been transformative,” said Ms. Almirante. “The knowledge and resources provided by the university and our international partners have not only raised awareness but also empowered the people to take ownership of their environment.”

The collaboration has led to notable successes. Through a series of community workshops, social marketing efforts, and awareness campaigns, residents became more informed about climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable fishing practices. Students played a crucial role in designing digital platforms, creating communication materials, and participating in community awareness drives. This hands-on involvement enriched both the students’ education and the program’s effectiveness.

As a result, LLIMPA has seen increased community engagement, with residents becoming more involved in conservation efforts. Illegal fishing activities have decreased, and there is growing support for the rehabilitation of mangrove forests and the enforcement of sustainable practices. “This project has not only brought knowledge to our people but has fostered a sense of responsibility and pride in protecting our marine resources,” noted Mr. De la Vega.
Looking forward, the partnership between ISAT U and Dumangas will continue to evolve. Plans are in place to expand the �鶹��Ƶ model to other barangays and to further integrate sustainability into the university’s academic programs. The municipality also intends to seek additional funding to maintain the momentum of the program and explore ways to scale it for neighboring communities. This collaboration is just the beginning of a larger movement toward environmental stewardship and climate resilience in the region.

Partnership Contact Information

Eric D. De la Vega
Iloilo Science and Technology University
edumilevega1970@gmail.com

Flosel P. Almirante
Municipality of Dumangas
flosel.almirante@gmail.com

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

The city of Manado, situated in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia, is a vibrant hub for international tourism. Thousands of visitors flock to this provincial capital city with an interest in hiking the lush trails of Bunaken National Park or snorkeling in the colorful coral reefs of the Celebes Sea. However, underneath its picturesque surface, Manado is facing a consistent, colossal adversary that threatens both its tourism industry and its citizens: torrential seasonal flooding. With rapid urbanization, land reclamation in the coastal areas, and population growth, the city is experiencing increasing risks from coastal and riverine flooding. Climate change and sea-level rise have worsened the flooding situation in the city as they have altered the amount of precipitation affecting the water levels of the Tondano River (Manado River) and facilitating more high-tide floods. This looming hazard demands urgent attention and adaptation from the citizens of this coastal city.

While Indonesia has always faced seasonal flooding through the rainy months of November to March, over the past few decades extreme weather events throughout the country have both intensified and occurred more frequently. Some experts believe this shift may be attributed to consistent rising temperatures in Indonesia since 1989, as warmer air allows for a higher potential of moisture and therefore a higher possibility for extreme weather events.

The city of Manado has identified flooding as the highest priority issue for their community. The flooding has proved disastrous for the city’s residents, making the need for a viable, real-time warning system more necessary than ever. With this system, communities gain more time for effective preparation and evacuation in high-risk zones.

Manado State Polytechnic Students Launch �鶹��Ƶ Project To Devise A New Flood Early Warning System for the City of Manado, Indonesia

Local university students from Politeknik Negeri Manado (Manado State Polytechnic), in partnership with the city of Manado, embarked upon disaster mitigation efforts by turning a flood warning system into reality. These students, from diverse disciplines, were united in their mission to create a city resilient to major environmental events.

The team started their project by surveying the city and locating critical flooding areas to implement the systems in. The early warning systems utilize conductive pads to measure water conductivity and the rate at which water is rising, transmitting that information to a server in the institute’s Command Center that visualizes the data to determine whether significant flooding is imminent.

After their efforts, four systems were successfully installed across different city locations. While these efforts were both successful and impactful, much work remains to be done to mitigate flood damage to the city’s residents and economy. The city is currently holding meetings to determine the necessary steps for implementing protocols once the flood warning systems are triggered—such as who makes decisions, when they are made, and who carries them out.

Additionally, Manado State Polytechnic is expanding its curriculum in climate adaptation by offering project-based learning classes like Sustainable Infrastructure and Mapping Potential Natural Hazards. In 2023, Electrical Engineering students from Manado State Polytechnic developed a . The system uses alerts and mobile notifications to warn of rising water levels. Inspired by flooding during their internship in Ternate Tanjung, it was handed over to the Manado City Disaster Management Agency to aid in timely evacuations. ()

This project has been completed.

Partnership Contact Information

City of Manado Contact

Mareyke Alelo
Politeknik Negeri Manado
ikealelo1964@gmail.com

Brury Bangun
Sub Department Head
Manado City Local Government
brurybanget@gmail.com

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Anthony Socci and Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

Con la guía de sus profesores, los estudiantes han tenido que superar varios desafíos a lo largo de este proyecto. Esto incluye la dificultad que conlleva el análisis de muestras de miel, ya que las características del producto suelen ser heterogéneas. Además, los estudiantes también han tenido que trabajar y ser empáticos con apicultores que no estaban seguros de compartir las ubicaciones de los apiarios con la universidad, porque para ellos esos lugares son únicos y temen ser invadidos por otros, lo que podría afectar la producción de sus colmenas. Afortunadamente, con el paso del tiempo los apicultores acordaron compartir datos y muestras con la Universidad de Colima con la esperanza de aprender más sobre su producto. Encontraron valor en los resultados que se les han mostrado y han seguido trabajando con la Universidad de Colima y los estudiantes. La investigación empezó con 6 tipos de miel procedentes de apicultores de zonas de costa y montaña. Ahora, el proyecto ha analizado 24 tipos diferentes de miel y varias muestras de polen, ya que los apicultores querían comprender mejor los recursos utilizados por sus abejas.

Los resultados de sus investigaciones más recientes finalizan en el mes de junio de 2024, pero el equipo espera continuar su trabajo para ayudar aún más a los apicultores de Colima. Al final del proyecto, el equipo espera que los apicultores tengan más confianza en ellos y que se acerquen cuando tengan incertidumbres. El equipo también está trabajando en una biblioteca de muestras de polen que servirá como recurso para los apicultores. Por último, el equipo espera proporcionar a los apicultores un mapa de riesgos que contendrá información sobre la floración anual, espacios seguros para las abejas y áreas infectadas con pesticidas en colaboración con otro grupo de investigación. La Universidad de Colima espera que este proyecto sirva de ejemplo y sea el inicio de un movimiento más amplio. Con la ayuda de otras universidades, la Universidad de Colima quiere crear una organización de productores de miel que beneficie a los apicultores de México.

Helping Colima’s Beekeepers

In the beginning of 2023, professors at the University of Colima began working on a project to categorize different types of honey in Colima. The foundations of this project were conceived in 2015 when a team at the University of Colima began looking for funding for a study on pollen and nectar-producing plants in the state of Colima. This team was created by Dr. Andrés García Aguayo, Carlos Leopardí, Christian Carolina Gallegos, Elvira Silva Jiménez, and two classes of 24 Biology and Geographic Information Systems students. Over the course of the project, the students learned how to measure the basic physicochemical characteristics of honey, such as its color, freshness, and sweetness. They also learned how to identify different types of plants and honey in their state. Their measurements helped farmers differentiate the botanical origin of their product from other types of honey, thereby increasing its value. Thanks to �鶹��Ƶ’s network, the University of Colima’s team was able to focus on the construction of a pollen library, identifying the grains of pollen in honey, and the creation of a risk map.

Over the course of the project, students encountered many challenges. Some of these challenges included difficulties in analyzing honey samples due to the variety of characteristics that honey can possess. Additionally, students needed to collaborate with local beekeepers, who had hesitations about sharing the location of their apiaries with the university. They worried that others would find out and encroach on their apiaries, affecting the productivity of their hives. Fortunately, the beekeepers agreed to share samples and data with the University of Colima, hoping to learn more about the product they were selling. They found substantial value in the results and have continued to work with students at the University of Colima. Since the beginning of the project, the team has analyzed 24 different types of honey and a variety of pollen samples, thanks to the support of beekeepers who found value in understanding the resources that their bees used.

Although the studies were finalized in June of 2024, the team hopes to continue their work with beekeepers throughout Colima. They hope that beekeepers will continue to reach out to the University of Colima with questions and concerns about their product. The team is also working on the creation of a pollen library using the pollen samples they collected, which will serve as a resource for beekeepers. Finally, the team hopes to collaborate with another team to create a risk map containing annual flowering patterns, safe spaces for bees, and areas contaminated with pesticides, as another resource for farmers. The University of Colima hopes that this project will serve as an example and initiate a larger movement within the field. With the help of other universities, the University of Colima aims to create an organization of honey producers to benefit beekeepers across Mexico.

Throughout the years, different academic departments and courses at the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) have engaged in efforts to rescue the Lagoon. Notable course projects include UAM’s sociology department’s Qualitative Data Collection course, where students interviewed community members on how the lagoon’s contamination and decrease in water quality has affected their well-being, livelihood, cultural traditions, and aliment. Additionally, Chemical Analysis courses spend time on field reports that monitor the lagoon’s water quality and affluents and assess the distinct contaminants present in the water. The findings of both of these courses were captured in a documentary made by students in the Graphic Design Communications course, who also created infographics and other forms of digital media to spread awareness about the lagoon’s current state. Lastly, architectural students at UAM have dedicated a significant amount of time on the creation of architectural proposals focusing on adequate landscaping for the wetlands of the region. Over the next few years, student involvement in the Lagoon’s rescue is expected to increase with about 180 students per trimester from UAM, along with additional participation from other universities across the country.

Completed course projects have received nothing but positive feedback from community members and councils. Every year, UAM makes an effort to report accomplishments to the public by hosting student presentations where local governments, conservation groups, and community members can learn about their work. Their last presentation session took place on February 19th, 2024, when the audience filled an auditorium of over 150 people (more information can be found at: ). The purpose of these presentations is to update authorities on the progress of student work so that local governments that have frequent shifts in councils can continue to support students and their efforts by promoting environmental policies. Although previous student projects have been successful in making progress towards environmental, economic, and social development, Dr. Sosa hopes that students will soon be able to work on governmental action projects, with the recently established Basin Committee focusing on making the restoration of La Piedad a political priority. Before students can get involved in governmental work that will establish wetland systems to manage cleanliness, however, hydraulic engineers must determine the technical feasibility of a system’s capacity to withstand the amount of water that enters the Lagoon to ensure long-term durability and efficiency. These assessments are expected to begin as soon as July of this year. After these characteristics are ensured, Dr. Sosa expects to begin the process of establishing legal institutions that will create a protection status for the Lagoon, avoiding its urbanization and creating a protected natural area on a federal level so that any threat to its conservation can lead to legal action. The start of a legal project will be a more prolonged process than what students are accustomed to. Still, Dr. Sosa is optimistic that this will teach students about the importance of continuous activism.

Dr. Fabiola Sosa is tremendously proud of the incredible work accomplished by the UAM students. Many of their endeavors have received recognition in local and national newspapers, radio stations, and television channels. Students have had the opportunity to share their experiences and how their work has influenced them, and many of them have expressed interest in pursuing careers in environmental conservation. As part of the recognition for these efforts, Dr. Sosa was also awarded the Woman Defender of Water Award in 2023, and an award from the Judiciary of the Federation on the 2024 International Women’s Day for her dedication to equality and search for safe spaces for women. Dr. Sosa reflects on what these awards mean to her and how they represent the role of responsibility placed on women to ensure the accessibility of clean water in their households for their families. She states that she is excited for more students to get involved in the salvation of La Piedad so that they can work towards finding solutions for the societal injustices that come with environmental pollution. Dr. Sosa is grateful for the passion and dedication to the issue that students have conveyed through their hard work and is looking forward to seeing them become our future agents of change.

Rescatando La Piedad (SPA)

Desde 20203, �鶹��Ƶ ha ayudado a la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Azcapotzalco, a incrementar sus esfuerzos para salvar la laguna La Piedad en la ciudad de Cuautitlán Izcalli, México, a través de una serie de proyectos estudiantiles que involucran a más de 300 alumnos de licenciatura. Salvar a La Piedad de los contaminantes es esencial para la ciudad, ya que es un cuerpo de agua esencial que podría proporciona un metro cúbico de agua por segundo a los municipios que luchan por satisfacer sus demandas diarias del vital recurso. Los proyectos no sólo ayudan a cumplir los objetivos ambientales de facilitar el acceso a áreas naturales no contaminadas, sino que también aumentan las actividades que conducirán al desarrollo económico y la conciencia ambiental. La Dra. Fabiola Sosa, coordinadora del proyecto y asesora de los proyectos estudiantiles de la universidad, espera que el acceso a agua limpia revitalice las comunidades, al fomentar la agricultura orgánica y otras actividades recreativas como la observación de aves y la pesca.

A lo largo de los años, diferentes departamentos académicos y carreras de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) se han involucrado en las labores de rescate de la Laguna. Los proyectos emprendidos por los alumnos de diferentes cursos incluyen: Recolección de Datos Cualitativos del Departamento de Sociología de la UAM, donde los estudiantes entrevistaron a miembros de la comunidad sobre cómo la contaminación de la laguna y la disminución de la calidad del agua han afectado su bienestar, sustento, tradiciones culturales y alimentación. Además, los cursos de Análisis Químico dedican tiempo a realizar informes de campo en donde se monitorea la calidad del agua y de los afluentes de la Laguna, demas de evalúar los diferentes contaminantes presentes en el agua. Los hallazgos de ambos cursos fueron plasmados en un documental realizado por estudiantes de la carrera de Diseño de la Comunicación Gráfica, quienes también crearon infografías y otros medios digitales para generar conciencia sobre el estado actual de la Laguna. Finalmente, los estudiantes de arquitectura de la UAM han dedicado una cantidad de tiempo significante a crear propuestas arquitectónicas enfocadas al paisajismo adecuado de los humedales de la región. En los próximos años, se espera que la participación estudiantil en el rescate de la Laguna aumente con alrededor de 180 estudiantes por trimestre de la UAM, junto con una participación adicional de otras universidades de todo el país.

Los proyectos de cursos completados no han recibido más que comentarios positivos de los miembros y ayuntamientos de la comunidad. Cada año, la UAM se esfuerza por informar al público sobre sus logros organizando presentaciones de estudiantes donde los gobiernos locales, los grupos conservacionistas y los miembros de la comunidad pueden aprender sobre sus trabajos. Su última sesión de presentación tuvo lugar el 19 de febrero de 2024, cuando el público llenó un auditorio de más de 150 personas (más información puede ser consultada en la siguiente página: ). El propósito de estas presentaciones es actualizar a las autoridades sobre el avance del trabajo estudiantil para que los gobiernos locales que tienen cambios frecuentes de personal puedan continuar apoyando a los estudiantes y sus esfuerzos impulsando políticas ambientales. Aunque proyectos estudiantiles anteriores han logrado avances hacia el desarrollo ambiental, económico y social, la Dra. Sosa espera que los estudiantes pronto puedan trabajar en proyectos de acción gubernamental, con el Comité de Cuenca recientemente establecido enfocándose en restaurar La Piedad como una prioridad política. Sin embargo, antes de que los estudiantes puedan participar en trabajos gubernamentales que establecerán sistemas de humedales para descontaminar la Laguna, los ingenieros hidráulicos deben determinar la viabilidad técnica de la capacidad de un sistema para soportar la cantidad de agua que ingresa a la Laguna para garantizar la durabilidad y eficiencia a largo plazo. Se espera que estas evaluaciones comiencen en julio de este año. Una vez aseguradas estas características, la Dra. Sosa espera iniciar el proceso de establecimiento de instituciones legales que creará un estatus de protección para la Laguna, impidiendo su urbanización y creando un área natural protegida a nivel federal para que cualquier amenaza a su conservación pueda dar lugar a acciones legales. Iniciar un proyecto legal será un proceso más largo de lo que los estudiantes están acostumbrados. Aún así, la Dra. Sosa es optimista de que esto enseñará a los estudiantes sobre la importancia del activismo continuo.

La Dra. Fabiola Sosa está tremendamente orgullosa del increíble trabajo realizado por los estudiantes de la UAM. Muchos de sus esfuerzos han recibido reconocimiento en periódicos, estaciones de radio y canales de televisión locales y nacionales. Los estudiantes han tenido la oportunidad de compartir sus experiencias y cómo su trabajo los ha influenciado, y muchos de ellos han expresado interés en seguir carreras en conservación ambiental. Como parte del reconocimiento a estos esfuerzos, la Dra. Sosa también recibió el Premio Mujer Defensora del Agua en 2023, y un premio del Poder Judicial de la Federación en el Día Internacional de la Mujer 2024 por su dedicación a la igualdad y búsqueda de espacios seguros para las mujeres. La Dra. Sosa reflexiona sobre lo que significan para ella estos premios y cómo representan el rol de responsabilidad que recae en las mujeres para garantizar el acceso al agua potable en sus hogares para sus familias. Ella dice que está emocionada de que más estudiantes se involucren en salvar La Piedad para que puedan trabajar para encontrar soluciones a las injusticias sociales que conlleva la contaminación ambiental. La Dra. Sosa agradece la pasión y dedicación al tema que los estudiantes han transmitido a través de su arduo trabajo y espera verlos convertirse en nuestros futuros agentes de cambio.

Currently, Botswana is dealing with a great deal of water scarcity and the city of Gaborone has found itself with a very limited water supply. Currently, the water supply deficit is met by long-distance water transfers through two connected pipelines known as the North-South Water Carrier spanning over 400 km. To alleviate demand on potable water, wastewater is treated, and the effluent is used in areas that would have typically used potable water such as landscaping including the watering of gardens and golf courses.  Wastewater effluent is also used to irrigate various horticulture crops.  This is contributing to food security and nutritional health.  

Along with wastewater treatment, solid waste collection is challenging in Gaborone due to the shortage of collection vehicles and the landfill being about 40 kilometers outside of the city. These circumstances limit waste trucks to only one to two waste collection trips per day. This leads to infrequent waste collection resulting in some citizens illegally dumping waste in and around the city. Poor or lack of separation of waste leads to an increased risk of fire at the landfill due to inflammables present in waste. Additionally, leachate from the landfill sometimes spills or overflows from the leachate pond/dam. This is problematic because the landfill is situated near a stream that leads into the village Gamodubu.

Recently, a fire broke out at the landfill causing it to be closed for about 4 weeks. The cause of the fire has not been established although it is suspected that some inflammable waste was dumped at the landfill. To avoid these dangerous situations, the public must be educated on how to separate waste properly before its collection.

To overcome these difficulties, the city is planning to promote sustainability by endorsing the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. This will encourage economic empowerment and better waste management. The City Council is also hoping to collect biogas by promoting sludge digestion within waste management facilities. Sludge digestion is a biological process that decomposes organic solids into stable substances. The biogas produced from this process can be recovered and reused to produce electricity and heating leading to affordable clean energy.

Further, there are six undergraduate students specifically investigating issues of concerns at multiple different landfills. These projects include researching leachate contamination on herbaceous and woody plants, assessing the presence of heavy metals in groundwater at the Gamodubu Landfill, and the presence of macroinvertebrates in the leachate dam at the Gamodubu Landfill. Additionally, students are studying the contamination by Gamodubu Regional Landfill leachate on soil fauna and the diversity of birds at Gamodubu Regional Landfill. There is also a postgraduate student who is working on microscopic and molecular identification of gastrointestinal parasites in wastewater.

By focusing on the designated project areas wastewater treatment and solid waste management, the City Council of Gaborone Botswana will take advantage of the �鶹��Ƶ model and use resources provided by the University of Botswana to create cleaner water and a cleaner more sustainable city. The �鶹��Ƶ Consultancy funds will be used to fund both areas of the project and will enhance the quality of education for students and, ideally, generate jobs for low-income individuals.

This project is currently in progress.