Griffith University’s International WaterCentre (IWC) is playing a crucial role in assisting the water industry in comprehending the necessary digital technologies for constructing a climate-resilient future in the Asia-Pacific region. The IWC successfully conducted a six-week training course titled ‘Digital Technologies for a Climate Resilient Water Sector,’ benefiting over 70 individuals from 20 countries in Asia and the Pacific.
A senior project manager at the International WaterCentre and Australian Rivers Institute emphasised that Australia is at the forefront of using digital technologies to monitor, plan, and manage water usage in urban and regional contexts.
The course was designed to leverage Australia’s expertise in the field, aiming to enhance the capabilities of ADB and staff from Developing Member Countries. The focus was on using digital technologies to enhance water management practices and decision-making processes, ultimately contributing to improved water security and resilience in the face of climate change.
Throughout the interactive course consisting of 12 modules, a diverse range of water management contexts were addressed, incorporating digital technologies. These contexts encompassed urban water supply and sanitation, basin-level water resource planning and management, monitoring of river and ecosystem health, climate resilient water supply and sanitation in rural areas, as well as topics related to climate change, gender equality, disability, and social inclusion.
During the course, participants gained knowledge about a diverse array of digital technologies and were encouraged to explore their potential application in their respective projects. They were also equipped with skills related to data management and presentation. Additionally, participants were introduced to various tools, including SDG dashboards, as well as remote sensing databases like Grace and Global surface water, enabling them to leverage these resources effectively.
Participants recognised the importance of developing a well-defined digital technology strategy that aligns with organisational requirements. They emphasized the significance of engaging stakeholders at every stage of identifying and implementing digital technologies.
Moreover, apart from gaining knowledge and skills related to the application of digital technologies, the course facilitated networking opportunities among participants from Australia and partnering countries in the Asia-Pacific region. These connections allowed for valuable collaborations and exchange of ideas beyond the course curriculum.
As the course concluded, several participants showcased their understanding by delivering presentations on how they intend to apply the acquired knowledge of digital technologies in their respective projects and organizations.
It’s worth noting that the content and resources of the course, titled “Digital Technologies for a Climate Resilient Water Sector,” are accessible to others through the Asian Development Bank’s Water Resilience Hub. This allows a wider audience to benefit from the course materials and leverage them for their own initiatives related to water resilience and digital technologies. Following a remarkable year in 2021, investment in the climate tech ecosystem experienced a decline of 10% in 2022, raising a total of AU$50 billion worldwide. Despite this decrease, the investment in climate tech still managed to double the levels observed before the pandemic.
When considering the broader picture, venture capital (VC) investment in the climate tech ecosystem has surged by a significant factor of 24 over the past decade. This highlights the substantial growth and increasing interest in supporting climate-focused technologies and innovations.
