Global Sustainability Research Programme
DECAF
Developing the capacity of student scientists for supporting disadvantaged communities to cope with flooding.
A climate change capacity building programme for tertiary students in Indonesia and Myanmar, supported by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research.
About the project
Professor Alex Lo received funding from the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research to develop a capacity building programme for tertiary students in Indonesia and Myanmar. The project involved an international collaboration with researchers and practitioners from Diponegoro University, Spring University Myanmar, Clemson University, University of Nottingham, and Education University of Hong Kong.
This project enabled student scientists to develop knowledge and skills in flood risk management. It supported senior tertiary students in Indonesia and Myanmar who aspire to pursue an applied science and research career, but were experiencing education interruptions due to the pandemic and/or major social events. Our project was designed to build learners’ capacity in flood risk management by constructing a better digital training environment. Our novel approach involved a combination of online lecturing, remote coaching, and local activities. Supported by our education collaborators in Indonesia and Myanmar, we designed and organized a range of field activities for learners to enhance collaborative experiential learning.
This project fostered a North-South collaboration in capacity development. Expert educators from New Zealand, the U.S, China, and Hong Kong joined those from Indonesia and Myanmar to provide quality training for learners from these two countries. Our Indonesia programme received formal support from the Government of Central Java Province and the Government of Pekalongan City. Eighteen government officials from the Pekalongan City’s Planning and Development Agency participated in the programme.
The project team
Professor Alex Lo, York St John University (previously Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand)
Dr Rukuh Setiadi, Diponegoro University
Mr Ye Mon Oo, Spring University Myanmar
Professor Alex Chow, Clemson University
Dr Faith Chan University of Nottingham Ningbo
Dr Lincoln Fok, Education University of Hong Kong
In collaboration with
Ms. Aniessa Delima Sari, United Cites and Local Governments Asia Pacific Secretariat (previously Initiative for Urban Climate Change and Environment, Indonesia)
Ms. Shar Thae Hoy, Climate Action Lab Myanmar
