<<back

Human Value-based, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education

Baharulnizam Baharum

Programme Coordinator
Socio-Economic & Environmental
Research Institute (SERI)

 

Concept & Definition

Human Dignity

  •  being worthy of esteem or honor; worthiness
  •  infinite concept which suggest that there is the highest worth of each individuals/mankind

Social Equity

  •  fair play and justice
  • to a country which has diverse culture, ethnic & religion, social equity may erupt as an issue  

A Global Issue

  • Human rights agenda by UN
  • Global water crisis
  • World Water Day (WWD): 22 March of each year. By the UN General Assembly
  • Water & Culture
  • Water is Our Culture, Water is Our Life

Malaysian Federal Government

  • Ensure the public has an access to drinking water
  • National Water Resource Council (NWRC)
  • Create awareness about the importance of saving water
    • Various programs through various departments
    • Special allocations to state assemblymen
  • Education: Environmental Awareness Modules

Penang State Government

  • Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI)
    • Sustainable Penang Initiative (SPI)
    • Water Watch Penang (WWP)
  • Science & Technology Awareness Program
  • Department of Environment
    • “Kem Kesedaran Alam Sekitar” (KEKAS)
      • Modules on Water and Environmental Issues

Water Management

  • Privatized?
  • Will cut-off piped water supply if bills were not paid?
  • Human dignity? Social Equity?
  • Productive citizens
  • Water is cheap
  • Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)

Ethical Principles

Principle of Human Dignity

No life without water; those to whom it is denied are denied life

Principle of Participation

The poor must be involved in water planning and management

Principle of Solidarity

Upstream & downstream; inter-dependency calls for IWM

Principle of Human Equality

Render to all person their due

Principle of Common Good

Water is a common good

Principle of Stewardship

Finding an ethical balance among using, changing and preserving water resources and land

A Letter from the Future…

  • How certain are we that water will last forever?
  • Will everybody have an access to drinkable water?
  • Will we have sufficient volume of water to meet population demand?
  • Will water be the most valuable assets in the future?