Nature-based solutions for pollution control, such as constructed wetlands, biofilters, rain gardens and floating parks, among others, have been suggested as promising low-cost complements to centralised wastewater treatment facilities that could reduce water pollution and its negative impacts on ecosystems while making cities greener, moreÌýlivable and resilient. Over the past decades, decentralised wastewater treatment systems, including elements of NBS have been increasingly promoted across remoteÌýcommunities in developing countries in Asia. However, applications of NBS as multi-functional green infrastructure across cities in the region are scarce. This workshop aimsÌýto explore and understand the potential and barriers to integrating NBS in urban water management and planning in Australia, Europe, the Philippines, Sri Lanka andÌýVietnam and to co-develop a methodology and guidelines for enhancing their uptake.Ìý
The workshop presents the experiences of NBS pilot and demonstration projects across Australia, Europe, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and two in-depth case studiesÌýto understand their performance but also critical challenges and factors of success. Projects initiated and led by different types of organisations, namely universities, NGOsÌýand government agencies and NBS employed to treat different kinds of urban water (domestic, industrial, stormwater, canals, etc.) will be explored and compared as a basisÌýfor defining different pathways for the establishment, up-scaling and replication of such initiatives and the specific risks, resources and capacity building needs associatingÌýwith each of them. A joint integrated assessment methodology will also be presented to ensure the comparability of the collected data and results. The findings from the caseÌýstudy assessments will inform the design of a nature-based water treatment pathways methodology and guide.Ìý
The APN National Workshop 2023 will contribute to compiling andÌýsynthesisingÌýexisting knowledge and developing and testing an action-research methodology for engagingÌýmulti-disciplinary groups of stakeholders in designing and implementing nature-based water treatment solutions in urban contexts. As such, it will play an important role inÌýenhancing both the knowledge and the capacities of the participating researchers to analyse and address critical sustainability challenges that require the engagement ofÌýdifferent factors.Ìý
| Time (VN time) | Activity |
| 12:30 – 13:00Ìý | Briefing and Guest Check-inÌýÌý |
| 13:00 – 13:05Ìý | Welcome Remarks Professor Robert McClelland Dean, The Business School |
| 13:10 – 13:40 | Effect of Pollutant Concentrations in Municipal Wastewater on Plant Growth and Inorganic Nitrogen Removal Efficiency Associate Professor Trang Ngo Can Tho 91tv, VietnamÌýÌý |
13:40 – 14:10 |
Identifying Space for Climate Change Adaptation: Lessons Learnt from Recent Urban Growth in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Dr. Nigel Downes Can Tho 91tv, VietnamÌý |
| 14:10 – 14:40 | Site Suitability Mapping for Constructed Wetlands: Case of Negros Oriental, Philippines Dr Angeli Cabaltica HCM International 91tv, Vietnam National 91tv Ho Chi Minh, VietnamÌý |
| 14:40 – 15:00 | Tea Break |
| 15:00 – 15:30Ìý | Cost Benefits Analysis of Nature-based Wastewater Management for Hanoi Suburban Area Mrs Trang Nguyen RMIT 91tv, Vietnam |
| 15:30 – 16:00Ìý | ÌýApplication of Vernonia elliptical and Portulaca grandiflora for Green Roof Systems to Treat Domestic Wastewater: A Case 91tvin a Specific Household in Ho Chi Minh City
|
| 16:00 – 16:30Ìý | Effect Of Aeration on Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW) Performance Ms Nhi Tran - Ho Chi Minh 91tv of Technology, Vietnam National 91tv Ho Chi Minh, VietnamÌý |
| 16:30 - 16:40Ìý | Closing RemarksÌý Dr Huy Pham, Senior Lecturer, RMIT Vietnam |
| 16:40 – 17:00Ìý | Wrap-up and Networking |
