From 14 to 17 March 2023, the PolyUrbanWaters – Symposium was held in Siem Reap/Cambodia.
It brought together the research network with more than 50 representatives of partners from Cambodia, Germany, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Siem Reap was chosen as the venue for the symposium because the government has made considerable efforts in urban development in recent years and the relevant experience could be brought into the discussions at the symposium.
Key outcomes of the symposium were:
1) The partner cities Sam Neua/Laos and Sleman/Indonesia formulated first strategic steps for a water-sensitive transformation of their urban areas.
2) For Kratié/Cambodia, the approach for sustainable management of the peri-urban wetlands was adopted by the local government as central for a climate change. adaptation and economic development strategy of the city
3) Visioning in the partner cities for a water-sensitive transformation, starting in March 2023, will be concretized through specific interventions at the district/neighborhood level.
4) The corresponding urban development vision is to be based on the transformation towards productive and livable cities, which is increasingly desired by the inhabitants of small and medium-sized cities in Southeast Asia.