Our Project

PolyUrbanWaters is a research and project network funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) that consists of academic institutions, municipalities, local and national government agencies, civil society and private-sector stakeholders from Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Germany.

Working through this network and on the ground in three pilot cities, the PolyUrbanWaters project aims to generate comprehensive scientific knowledge that helps develop practice-relevant strategic planning models for fast-growing cities and peri-urban areas in Southeast Asia, enabling them to implement polycentric approaches for water-sensitive urban development.

2018

Initial assessment
(Inception Phase)

2019–2020

Definition of research design and establishment of network
(Definition Phase)

2021–2025

Generation of comprehensive, evidence-based knowledge, development and implementation of practice-oriented tools and approaches
(Research and Development Phase)

2018

Initial assessment
(Inception Phase)

2019–2020

Definition of research design and establishment of network
(Definition Phase)

2021–2025

Generation of comprehensive, evidence-based knowledge, development and implementation of practice-oriented tools and approaches
(Research and Development Phase)

PolyUrbanWaters offers cities:

support for SDG-oriented strategic, cross-sectoral, water-sensitive urban planning and the emergence of corresponding city-level narratives
generation of evidence-based knowledge for informed decision making
identification of strategic “entry points” for implementation of polycentric planning
coaching for strategic project management and facilitation of co-production procedures at the local level involving communities, the public and private sectors, civil society and academia
facilitation of access to cutting-edge academic knowledge about the polycentric management of urban waters

PolyUrbanWaters offers academia:

direct interaction with cities, public entities, the private sector, civil society and communities to generate practice-oriented research and capacity-building programs
networking within an international multi-stakeholder environment vertically from the local level up to the national level (involving ministries), and horizontal interaction with local initiatives, academic institutions and multilateral working arrangements
elaboration of practice-oriented and interdisciplinary short-term courses and master programs

Expected Outcomes

Scientific Knowledge

Generation of comprehensive scientific knowledge about the parameters that are relevant for polycentric, water-sensitive urban development as a lever for a transformation to sustainability at the municipal/local level

Planning Tools

Development of instruments and tools that enable cities and decision makers to do strategic urban planning for polycentric urban development

Pilot Activities

Design and implementation of pilot activities that support cities in elaborating exemplary approaches for cross-sectoral, water-sensitive urban design

Stronger Narrative

A stronger academic, political, professional and cross-sectoral narrative in the region for “polycentric, water-sensitive approaches to urban development and integrated urban water management”

Stronger Capacities

Comprehensive approach to strategic capacity development that allows for intensive exchange on a horizontal level (various sectors within a municipality) as well as a vertical level (neighborhood to municipality to national government)

A New Model

Conceptual, content and methodological specification of the model “Polycentric approaches for livable, climate-resilient, water-sensitive cities in SEA”

Academic Exchange

Establishment of practice-oriented academic human development programs for “Polycentric approaches to urban development and integrated urban water management” as a cooperation between academic institutions in Southeast Asia and Germany

Orientation: SDGs and New Urban Agenda

In a strategic field of urban development, PolyUrbanWaters (also known as “Polyurb” or “Polyurbwater”) contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. Our project enables municipalities to develop exemplary strategies within the framework of the SDG indicator system with particular reference to SDG 11 (sustainable cities and settlements), SDG 6 (water and sanitation for all), SDG 9 (resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization), SDG 13 (combating climate change and its impacts), SDG 16 (peaceful and inclusive societies and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions), SDG 3 (healthy living for all), SDG 1 (ending poverty) and SDG 17 (strengthening implementation and global partnership).