Water resources in Southeast Asia are under intense pressure because of population growth, urbanisation and climate change. Rapid economic development and urbanisation have resulted in degradation and depletion of natural resources, including water and related ecosystem services. Many urban rivers in the region are highly polluted with domestic, industrial and agricultural waste. To tackle this issue and to foster an effective approach for sustainable urban development, policymakers in collaboration with the private sector and the international donor community must: • adopt an integrated approach for protecting urban waterbodies, including by developing relevant legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms • initiate comprehensive studies on valuation of water-related benefits. The monetary value of water quality improvements is a useful variable in cost-benefit analyses of water quality-related policies, in both the public and private sectors • promote public awareness campaigns, education, and transparency through public outreach and education programmes.

4 p.

2409-3017