Learning environments for multi-stakeholder participation in water management: Visual Problem Appraisal Citarum River

Abstract

Sustainable management of the Citarum River is a complex problem due to climate challenges such as increase of extreme weather events, as well as by increased anthropogenic activities leading to water pollution, waterborne diseases and floods. To act on this, active engagement of diverse stakeholders in decision-making for integrated water management is needed to share knowledges and understand diverse perspectives. This research reflects on the potential of the Visual Problem Appraisal (VPA) methodology to facilitate stakeholders’ participation in the complexity of sustainable water management in Indonesia. A VPA consists of a series of filmed interviews allowing stakeholders to express their concerns and issues. The interviews are used in thematic workshops to enhance dialogue and stimulating social learning in complex multi-stakeholder settings, in order to enhance environmental governance. Using the VPA solves two well-known problems: shortage of time and means for stakeholders to participate (stakeholder fatigue) and the fact that often the same people participate in diverse arenas (the usual suspects). The VPA could be used at ITB for bachelor’s and master’s degrees regarding Environmental Engineering, at Dutch universities and as a method to facilitate mediated participation within the Living Lab Upper Citarum.