Rough Road to River Recovery
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From providing food to livelihood to transport and recreation, rivers have played central roles in the lives of people in the Asia-Pacific region. Sadly, though, rapid urbanization, apathy, and single-minded pursuit of development have distanced people from their rivers, often allowing them to view the latter as sewage conveyors instead of the community’s lifeblood. Fortunately, more and more countries are recognizing the need to resuscitate and protect their rivers. This issue focuses on the river rehabilitation initiatives in the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines, highlighting the different challenges faced and tough decisions made by the implementors.
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| Champion of Reform |
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Marikina River's cleanup was a resounding success but the city government is not resting on its laurels. “We have many strategies to ensure that the river stays clean, and we will continue to dream up more to ensure that we deliver results,” says Marides Fernando, Marikina’s dynamic mayor. True to her word, Marikina has various initiatives to improve the river and its environs—from better solid waste management to waste recovery to flood proofing and more. |
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| Focus |
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Steps in cleaning up Asia's polluted rivers may be almost formulaic but if crucial steps are ignored, huge cost overruns and delays can be expected. What should one keep in mind? |
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Nantai Island's heavily polluted inland rivers are being cleaned by now environmentally enlightened communities along its banks. What accounts for this change in mindset? |
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Twenty years since its cleanup started, the tide seems to have turned for the Pasig River. Could initiatives to improve water quality, sanitation, and river infrastructures account for this? |
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Pollution and siltation have plagued the Jiulongjiang River until the Fujian provincial government invested RMB3 billion in river cleanup in 1999. Has the investment paid off? |
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in the donor community who are interested in water sector
issues that affect the pace of development.
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