Link: Pulp and Paper Industry, U.N. Partner on Clean Water in Southeast Asia
(Indonesia, Nov. 16, 2016) Despite Southeast Asia’s tropical climate and overall abundant rainfall, UNESCO, the U.N. Organization for Education, Science and Culture, identified this region as one that will become highly susceptible to water stress during the 21st century. And according to the NGO Water.org, Indonesia — Southeast Asia’s largest economy — is falling far short of meeting the water needs of many of its citizens. An estimated 102 million Indonesians lack access to decent sanitation facilities, and 37 million do not have reliable access to safe drinking water. The results not only pose a huge risk to public health, but will also impede future economic development in a nation where per-capita income is below $3,500 annually.
The reality for Indonesia, as well as for its Southeast Asian neighbours, is that the private sector will have to step up in order to develop the infrastructure necessary to provide safe, clean and potable water to its citizens, as many governments in this region are either lacking capacity or are just too corrupt to take on the task.
To that end, UNESCO is partnering with several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), on a project that aims to improve the quality and safety of drinking water in this country of 250 million people.
To read complete report Go To: http://www.triplepundit.com/2016/11/pulp-paper-industry-unesco-partner-clean-water-southeast-asia/ (Source: triplepundit.com)
Pictured Above: A new community water station in rural Sumatra, Indonesia (courtesy TriplePundit.com)
