UNESCO Water Resilience Challenge 2021 is a unique capacity-building program where 25 Young Water Leaders were selected, mentored, and challenged to learn about all aspects of the reserve area and watershed, analyze the critical issues, and develop their original concepts to address these – all within the four weeks of mentoring session. Sembalun District near the Rinjani – Lombok Biosphere Reserve and UGGp, West Nusa Tenggara, is chosen as the case study area for this challenge.

To solve many water-related issues in Sembalun District, participants were challenged to develop innovative ideas following the aspects above to achieve a sustainable environment in 2030 and beyond. Nevertheless, the idea should be feasible enough to be implemented on the local level as well as to conserve Sembalun as a part of Lombok-Rinjani Biosphere Reserve.

UNESCO Water Resilience Challenge 2021 program was conducted in 3 phases from 1 October 2021 to 17 November 2021. The program aimed to enhance the competence of participating students and young professionals throughout the classroom experience with actual cases on the ground, collaboration, virtual visits, local experts input, and mentorship in developing a holistic water resilience masterplan.

Considering and carefully watching the current Covid-19 pandemic situation in Indonesia, the Challenge are conducted fully online to ensure the safety of every participant while making sure the learning process continues and the Challenge can inspire everyone. 

The winning team of UWRC 2021 presented their concept ideas at the 13th Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (SeaBRnet) meeting on 16 November 2021. The 13th SeaBRnet was held on Mataram, Lombok, from 15 – 17 November 2021.