Abstract
The water situation in Southeast Asia has changed from one of relative abundance to one of relative scarcity. Conventional water management that strategized around the provision of adequate water supply to users has limited sustainability. Though nations in this region have adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Plan into their water management framework, successful outcomes are limited thus far. Water literacy has a growing importance for improving water sustainability, especially in developing countries. A literature search was employed to extract data on the different dimensions of water literacy in Southeast Asia including the sources and consumption patterns, water governance and management, and sociodemographic elements as well as the various aspects of water related challenges faced. Results from the review and analysis show that a large proportion of Southeast Asian populations are not part of a water sustainable society, and this presents a major hurdle for the countries to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030. Therefore, active cognitive engagement through the creation of a water literate environment is critical for breaking the chain of water illiteracy and to achieve long-term water sustainability in Southeast Asia countries. Overall, this paper provides a critical analysis on lessons learnt from the region that can be mirrored in other parts of the world.
Highlights
Published: 23 August 2021Water finds its application across different areas such as agriculture, industrial, domestic use, and recreation
This paper will review the current outlook on water literacy in a Southeast Asian context, and what we can learn from the situation
This is attributable to the economic inaccessibility to WASH services by the indigenous people, who are reportedly among the most socio-economically disadvantaged population groups in Malaysia [48]
Summary
Water finds its application across different areas such as agriculture, industrial, domestic use, and recreation. Governments around the world are incorporating innovative water management embodiments that are more sustainable than conventional water management Such paradigms include integrated urban water management, sustainable cities, or total water cycle management, combined with the facilitation of technologies like geo mapping and cybernetics [6,7]. Water 2021, 13, 2311 combined with the facilitation of technologies like geo mapping and cybernetics [6,7]. Implementation of these frameworks involves many stakeholders from the federal governtion of these frameworks involves many stakeholders from the federal government to the ment to the general public
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
