Photo Stories for Visualising Sustainability

Photo Stories for Visualising Sustainability Science Application in Pilot Sites(for discussion only)

June 2017

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Photo Stories for Visualising Sustainability Science Application in Pilot Sites(for discussion only)

June 2017

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The photo stories compiled in this document were based on the contribution from project partners and stakeholders of the Sustainability

Science demonstration sites. The discussions were facilitated by Prof Jeff Camkin (University of Western Australia), Dr Tahmina Rashid (University

of Canberra), and Ms Trita Katriana (UNESCO Office Jakarta). The final photo stories were the results of elaboration in their own words by project partners and stakeholders attending the Synthesis Workshop

of STAR and SHARP which took place on 2-4 November 2016 in Malaysia. UNESCO Office Jakarta is not responsible for the choice, comments and

presentation of the photo stories contained in this publication.Copyright remains with the original contributors.

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Compiled by: Trita Katriana for UNESCO Office Jakarta

Contributors (in alphabetical order):

Davao City Demonstration Site, Philippines: Anthony C. Sales, Ludivina M. Porticos, and the contribution of all other project team members of HELP Davao Network: Joseph E. Acosta, Della Grace G. Bacaltos, Kenneth D. Barroga, Mabel Diana M. Calipes, Ryan P. Calvo, Ricardo P. Corcino, Cristy G. Gallano, Ruth U. Gamboa, Mayan Jane J. Inni, Maria Lourdes O. Manlosa, Hydie R. Maspiñas, Reynaldo M. Petalcorin, Gerardo B. Reynaldo, Arnel M. Rodriguez, Lourdes R. Simpol, and Camilo D. Victoria.

Langkawi Geopark Demonstration Site, Malaysia: Rahmah Elfithri, Mazlin bin Mokhtar, Md. Pauzi Abdullah, Mohd. Raihan Taha, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, Ruhizan Mohammad Yasin, Shaharuddin Mohamad Ismail, Ahmad Aldrie Amir, Tanot Unjah, Sharina Abdul Halim, Nik Mohd Noor Faizul Md Saad, Ku Adriani Ku Ayob, Nazren Leman, Norazmi Abdul Kadir, Siti Amirah Ishak, and Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd Khalik from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and the contribution of project stakeholder: Rasanubari Asmah Rahmah Abdul Hamid from Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

Siem Reap Demonstration Site, Cambodia: Philippe Delanghe, Maria Iniguez De Heredia, Long Kheng, Chamroeun Sok, and the contribution of APSARA.

Cover design and layout by: Ardi Rukmansyah

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Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Visualising Sustainability Science Application in UNESCO Sites ................................................................................................................................................

a. Water and Environmental Sustainability Education Linked with Ecotourism in Langkawi Geopark ..............................................................................b. Enhancing Resilience to Disasters of Urban Water Systems of Mindanao, the Philippines ............................................................................................c. Improving Water Management at Siem Reap City and Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, Cambodia .................................................................................

References ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

For further reading ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Contents7

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IntroductionGiven that the biggest challenge of the international community today is the sustainability of the Earth and knowing that “basic goods and services supplied by the planetary life support system, such as food, water, clean air and an environment conducive to human health, are being affected increasingly by global change” (IGBP, 2001), a new scientific approach becomes crucial as a tool to understand these natural and human-driven changes to the Earth. Sustainability Science is a newly emerged field of science which has been adopted by UNESCO, in order to strengthen the interface between environmental science-policy-society interface towards a sustainable future.

Sustainability Science initiative proposes options for the promotion of transdisciplinary approaches to global environmental challenges that could be taken up for consideration by national and international decision makers to advance the practice of sustainable development - that is, to ensure the durable well-being of humans without jeopardizing the reliability of ecological systems.

In this document, three UNESCO Sustainable Science demonstration sites in ASEAN1 are portrayed through a “photo story” to describe how sustainability science approach has been adopted in the demonstration sites in order to address key environmental challenges and contribute to sustainability in ASEAN countries. The demonstration sites are:• Siem Reap, Cambodia, on restoring and enhancing Angkor World Heritage site and Siem Reap city water systems. • Langkawi Geopark, Malaysia, on water and environmental sustainability education linked with ecotourism in Langkawi Geopark. • Davao, Philippines, on enhancing resilience to disasters of urban water systems of Mindanao.

A photo story, an adaptation of the Photovoice technique (see Wang, C & Burris, M.A., 1997), is a research technique used to promote “an effective, participatory means of sharing experience and knowledge to create public policy”, through “the immediacy of the visual image and accompanying stories to furnish evidence”2 . This Photo Stories document specifically portrays issues, findings, visions, challenges, best practices, impacts, and/or recommendations from each demonstration site, in order to deliver sustainability science outcomes from the region to further advance sustainability policies.

1 The UNESCO Sustainability Science demonstration sites were established through project “Science Harnessed for ASEAN Regional Policy (SHARP)” supported by Malaysia Funds-In-Trust2 as noted by Wang & Burris, (1997, p.369)

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This Photo Stories document is the output of Sustainability Science research project carried out under Science Harnessed for ASEAN Regional Policy (SHARP) project, which has been completed through the following process:

• Data collection process: data collection included literature review, baseline data (include sampling at several sites), interviews with stakeholders, and community dialogue. Throughout this process, photos were taken by the project partners to capture the issues. Data collection process was undertaken after the demonstration sites were established and project partners were identified in 2015.

• Data validation process: data validation included modelling and analysis, FGD/workshops/consultation with stakeholders. Throughout this process, photos were also taken by the project partners to capture findings, visions, and/or challenges.

• Community actions: in several demonstration sites, community actions were supported and facilitated by the SHARP project. During the actions, photos were taken by the project partners to capture best practices and/or impacts.

• Findings finalization: Synthesis Workshop of the project “Sustainability Transformation Across the Region (STAR)” and the project “Science Harnessed for ASEAN Regional Policy (SHARP)” which took place on 2-4 November 2016 in Langkawi, Malaysia, brought together the results of the total of five demonstration sites3 for further discussions among project partners and stakeholders from each demonstration site.

The photo stories are the results of elaboration in their own words by project partners and stakeholders from each demonstration site during the Synthesis Workshop of the project STAR and the project SHARP. In developing the photo stories, the project partners and stakeholders reflected on priority issues and the specific emphases of the locals identified during project research in order to come up with themes and messages; the photos collected from the sites were then discussed in accordance with each intended message; and lastly, the structure of the chosen photos and its accompanying messages were then discussed and agreed in order to create the photo stories. Where intended photos are not available, photos from old collection and/or from other sources were used to enrich the photo stories.

The results of the photo stories are presented in this document for discussion only.

3 The additional two demonstration sites from STAR are: Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines, on rice terraces of the Philippines cordilleras; and Langat River Basin, Malaysia, on restoring and managing Langat River, Malaysia for Future. The Siem Reap demonstration site is jointly implemented by the two projects.

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Visualising Sustainability Science Application in Pilot Sites

Water and Environmental Sustainability Education Linked with Ecotourism in Langkawi Geopark

Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia’s first established Geopark, holds outstanding geological features, is rich in biodiversity with rare mangrove species found throughout the area, and rich in socio-cultural heritage. Langkawi Geopark fast became a nature-based tourist destination which unfortunately also led to an increase demand for development. Langkawi Geopark was selected as one of UNESCO Sustainability Science demonstration sites to showcase how environmental education can deliver better ecotourism outcomes through improved environmental and water management.

Project partner: LESTARI UKM

Main contributors: Rahmah Elfithri, Mazlin bin Mokhtar, Md. Pauzi Abdullah, Mohd. Raihan Taha, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, Ruhizan Mohammad Yasin, Shaharuddin Mohamad Ismail, Ahmad Aldrie Amir, Tanot Unjah, Sharina Abdul Halim, Nik Mohd Noor Faizul Md Saad, Ku Adriani Ku Ayob, Nazren Leman, Norazmi Abdul Kadir, Siti Amirah Ishak, and Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd Khalik from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and the contribution of project stakeholder: Rasanubari Asmah Rahmah Abdul Hamid from Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

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Tourism (modified and traditional boat)Transformation of the traditional fisherman using their cultural skills to become tour operators at the same time raising their income level. In this regard, they are utilizing their traditional skills into new entrepreneurship.

Photo credit: LADA (2016)

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Destruction of the mangrove forest

Development causes destruction of mangrove habitat and livelihood.

Thereby, causing loss of marine habitat. This also will affect the

landscape of beauty and aesthetic value which will lead to less number

of tourists, less income to local community

Photo credit: LESTARI UKM (2016)

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Community involvement in the conservation of natural resources

Students and local communities are involved in mangrove planting to increase and maintain the ecosystem. Conservation of mangrove will also improve marine resources (fish, crab, prawn, etc.). Continued education process in engaging students in protecting the natural resources and environment is necessary.


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Volunteerism


Volunteers are constantly engaged in cleaning activities and to ensure the environment are trash-free. They are also involved in mangrove planting and educating school children in protecting the natural and cultural resources of

the Langkawi Geopark.

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Effective Waste ManagementThe importance of dedicated waste disposal system is crucial to allow healthy entrepreneurship to enhance the livelihood of local community.


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Enhancing Resilience to Disasters of Urban Water Systems of Mindanao, the Philippines

Davao City and its metropolitan area are among the most flood-prone urban areas in the Philippines. Almost all community-based water delivery systems in the typhoon-affected areas sustained extensive damage and interrupted water supply for local populations after Typhoon Bopha in December 2012. Given past experiences which highlighted the insufficiency of the capacities of local communities and authorities to respond quickly and efficiently to disasters, the urban water systems of Mindanao island particularly surrounding Davao River Basin, a UNESCO HELP River Basin, has been selected as a Sustainability Science demonstration site, in order to demonstrate the resilience of the urban water systems of Davao City to climate change, by assessing and addressing the climate vulnerability of the urban water system, strengthening the integrated planning and coordination, and finally raising awareness on climate change adaptation among key stakeholders.

Project partner: HELP Davao Network

Main contributors (in alphabetical order): Ludivina M. Porticos (Science Resource Centre Director of the University of Immaculate Conception), and Anthony C. Sales (HELP Davao Network/Department of Science and Technology XI).

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The entire 244,000-hectare land area of Davao City drains towards the Davao Gulf. The City is drained by 8 major river systems.

Low lying coastal areas and areas near the major rivers totalling 1,377 hectares have high susceptibility to 30-50 year floods. It is likely that climate change may result to increased risk of flooding. Based on the projections of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the increase in precipitation during the months of December to February may cause rivers to overflow and impact on Davao City communities and infrastructures.

Photo credit: Jumalon, J.T. (2012)

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Photo credit: HELP Davao Network (2016a)

Various water supply system infrastructures are located in

identified flood-prone barangays.

Flooding may cause direct damage or impairment to water supply

system infrastructures, such as pipe bridge crossings, located in flood-

prone areas of the barangay.The pipe bridge crossings are either

transmission or distribution lines. Transmission lines transport water

from the source to the treatment plant, while distribution lines

transport water to customer taps.

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Exposure of people and water supply system infrastructure in the communities to 100-year return floods as a climate change manifestation increases their vulnerability.

At the flood perimeters, the depth of flood waters is expected to be at least 1.5 meters. The probability that a flood of this magnitude will occur in a year is 1 in 100, or 1%.

Photo credit: Sun Star (2013)

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Photo credit: HELP Davao Network (2016b)

At the heart of planning and implementation strategies to

enhance resilience of communities and urban water systems to

disasters are people, as active participants in development.

We envision resilient communities even in very highly vulnerable

flood-prone areas, where people are assured of water supply to

support domestic and commercial consumption for population wellness and economic development, to serve as sustainability demonstration sites.

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Photo credit: Rashid, T. (2016)

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Improving Water Management at Siem Reap City and Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, Cambodia

Due to excessive groundwater pumping under the city of Siem Reap, water pollution, periodic flooding and degraded ecosystems of Tonle Sap, there are emerging challenges to the stability of the Angkor World Heritage Site and its building foundations. These complex water and environmental management issues of World Heritage site, biosphere reserve, and urban management nexus were addressed using sustainability science approaches in order to help restore and preserve Angkor World Heritage site’s water management system.

Project partner: APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap)

Main contributors (in alphabetical order): Philippe Delanghe (UNESCO Phnom Penh), Maria Iniguez De Heredia (UNESCO Phnom Penh), Long Kheng (Department of Freshwater Wetlands Conservation) and Chamroeun Sok (UNESCO Phnom Penh individual consultant).

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Photo credit: Sok, C. (2015)

Water is a Human Right; therefore, everyone is entitled to have access to safe and clean water.

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The increasing consumption of water and water pollution are threatening

accessibility of clean water and sites like this one are often too common.

More awareness should therefore be raised on water consumption, proper

waste management and pollution.


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The villagers are currently collecting water from the rain and pumping water from the ground. On the other hand, tourism boom in Siem Reap increases water consumption, especially, the use of groundwater, knowing the negative impacts it has or could even have on the Angkor World Heritage temples. Are all those tourists conscious about the water situation in Siem Reap?

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Improving the management of the water systems and the

access to safe and clean water, could lead to the prosperity of the

communities, sustainable fish and vegetables production, as well as livelihood improvement, including

communities’ happiness and wellbeing.

Photo credit: Rashid, T. (2016)

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HELP Davao Network (2016a). Private collection.

HELP Davao Network. (2016b) Let’s create more green spaces to protect our environment [online image] available at https://www.facebook.com/davaowaterpartnership/photos/a.1147991275210894.1073741828.203204139689617/1147992201877468/?type=3&theater (accessed: 3 November 2016)

Sok, C. (2016). Private collection.

Rashid, T. (2016). Private collection.

Sok, C. (2015). Private collection.

Juvy, T.J. (2012) Davao River [online image] available at http://davaocitybybattad.blogspot.co.id/2013/01/davao-river.html (accessed: 3 November 2016)

Sun Star (2013) Aerial photo shows the flooded area near Gem Village in Brgy. Maa, Davao City [online image] available at http://gallery.sunstar.com.ph/Monthly/January-2013/i-kVPBht5 (accessed: 3 November 2016)

McKay, J., Keremane, G., Gray, A. (2010). Picturing Fresh Water Justice in Rural Australia. IF Technologies Pty Ltd.Wang, C. C., & Burris, M. (1997). “Photovoice: concept, methodology, and use for participatory needs assessment”. Health Education & Behavior, 24(3):369-387.

Elfithri, R., Mokhtar, M. B., Abdullah, M. P., Taha, M. R., Toriman, M. E., Yasin, R. M., Ismail, S. M., Amir, A. A., Unjah, T., Halim, S. A., Saad, N. M. N. F. M., Ayob, K. A. K., Leman, N., Kadir, N. A., Ishak, S. A., & Khalik. W. M. A. W. M. 2016. Establishment of Sustainability Science Demonstration Site on Water and Environmental Sustainability Education Linked with Ecotourism in Langkawi Geopark. Technical Report. Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI). Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

LESTARI UKM 2015. Project Collection/Activities.

LESTARI UKM 2016. Project Collection/Field Visits.

LADA 2016. Project Collection/Activities.

References

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Siem Reap Demonstration Site, Cambodia: Chamroeun Sok, Maria Iniguez Deheredia, Phillipe De Langhe. 2016. Restoring and Enhancing Angkor World Heritage Site, Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve and Siem Reap City Water Systems. UNESCO Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Langkawi Geopark Demonstration Site, Malaysia: Rahmah Elfithri, Mazlin bin Mokhtar, Md. Pauzi Abdullah, Mohd. Raihan Taha, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, Ruhizan Mohammad Yasin, Shaharuddin Mohamad Ismail, Ahmad Aldrie Amir, Tanot Unjah, Sharina Abdul Halim, Nik Mohd Noor Faizul Md Saad, Ku Adriani Ku Ayob, Nazren Leman, Norazmi Abdul Kadir, Siti Amirah Ishak, and Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd Khalik. 2016. Establishment of Sustainability Science Demonstration Site on Water and Environmental Sustainability Education Linked with Ecotourism in Langkawi Geopark. Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Davao City Demonstration Site, Philippines: Anthony C. Sales, Ruth U. Gamboa, Ludivina M. Porticos, Lourdes R. Simpol, Joseph E. Acosta, Hydie R. Maspiñas, Ryan P. Calvo, Della Grace G. Bacaltos, Camilo D. Victoria, Gerardo B. Reynaldo, Ricardo P. Corcino, Cristy G. Gallano, Kenneth D. Barroga, Mayan Jane J. Inni, Maria Lourdes O. Manlosa, Mabel Diana M. Calipes, Reynaldo M. Petalcorin, and Arnel M. Rodriguez. 2016. Demonstration Site on “Enhancing Resilience to Disasters of Urban Water Systems of Mindanao” in the Philippines. Hydrology for Environment, Life and Policy – Davao Network

Siem Reap and Langkawi: Tahmina Rashid. 2016. Developing Integrative Socio-environmental Approaches in Support of Effective Community Level Decision Making for Human Development and Environmental Sustainability in Sustainability Science Demonstration Sites. University of Canberra

Davao, Ifugao and Langat: Tahmina Rashid. 2016. Improving Integrative Socio-environmental Approaches in Support of Effective Community Level Decision Making for Human Development and Environmental Sustainability in Sustainability Science Demonstration Sites. University of Canberra.

For Further Reading

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UNESCO Office, JakartaJl. Galuh II No. 5Kebayoran BaruJakarta 12110Indonesia

Tel : (62 -21) 739 9818Fax: (62 -21) 7279 6489Email: [email protected]

www.unesco.org/jakarta

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Photo Stories for Visualising Sustainability