Regional Training Program Empowers ASEAN Stakeholders in Sustainable Waste Management
The recently concluded Regional Training Program on Waste Management and Sustainable Tourism marked a significant milestone in strengthening waste management capacities across ASEAN's tourism destinations. Organized by the GIZ-ASEAN Cooperation Project, ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management Enhancement (AMUSE) in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology, Regional Resource Center for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP), this online training program successfully engaged a diverse group of stakeholders in a series of interactive, knowledge-driven modules from July to December 2024.
With a total participation of 2,612 attendees spanning 48 countries, the training program emphasized the pressing challenges of waste generation in medium-sized tourist cities and the importance of transitioning towards a circular economy. Notably, ASEAN countries accounted for 83.2% of total participation, with Indonesia (26.63%), Vietnam (17.15%), and Thailand (10.07%) leading the engagement. Female participation accounted for 58.9%, reflecting an inclusive learning environment. The sessions attracted policymakers, municipal authorities, private sector representatives, NGOs, and academia, fostering multi-sector collaboration in waste management strategies.
The program featured nine in-depth modules, covering critical topics such as food waste management, sustainable packaging, certification and standards, and monitoring and evaluation of waste programs. Module 1, which focused on Circular Economy and Sustainability, recorded the highest attendance with 386 participants, setting the stage for insightful discussions and expert-led sessions. Interactive elements, including real-world case studies, pre- and post-surveys, quizzes, and Q&A forums, ensured an engaging and impactful learning experience.
The training demonstrated significant contributions to learning both quantitatively and qualitatively. The average knowledge and skill level increased from 2.97 at the start to 3.46 (on a 5 Likert Scale) by Module 9, indicating effective knowledge absorption. Additionally, 88.5% of participants expressed satisfaction or high satisfaction, and 95% reported their likelihood to apply the acquired knowledge in their professional roles. Participants particularly valued the inclusion of case studies, best practices, and interactive learning tools, which facilitated a deeper understanding of sustainable waste management principles.
The success of this training program highlights the increasing regional commitment to sustainable waste management and the need for continued capacity-building efforts. Recommendations from participants call for extended practical sessions, more interactive elements, and further post-training engagement opportunities to solidify learning outcomes. Moving forward, AIT RRC.AP remains committed to enhancing knowledge-sharing platforms and equipping ASEAN stakeholders with the tools needed to drive sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship in the region.
The recently concluded Regional Training Program on Waste Management and Sustainable Tourism marked a significant milestone in strengthening waste management capacities across ASEAN's tourism destinations. Organized by the GIZ-ASEAN Cooperation Project, ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management Enhancement (AMUSE) in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology, Regional Resource Center for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP), this online training program successfully engaged a diverse group of stakeholders in a series of interactive, knowledge-driven modules from July to December 2024.
With a total participation of 2,612 attendees spanning 48 countries, the training program emphasized the pressing challenges of waste generation in medium-sized tourist cities and the importance of transitioning towards a circular economy. Notably, ASEAN countries accounted for 83.2% of total participation, with Indonesia (26.63%), Vietnam (17.15%), and Thailand (10.07%) leading the engagement. Female participation accounted for 58.9%, reflecting an inclusive learning environment. The sessions attracted policymakers, municipal authorities, private sector representatives, NGOs, and academia, fostering multi-sector collaboration in waste management strategies.
The program featured nine in-depth modules, covering critical topics such as food waste management, sustainable packaging, certification and standards, and monitoring and evaluation of waste programs. Module 1, which focused on Circular Economy and Sustainability, recorded the highest attendance with 386 participants, setting the stage for insightful discussions and expert-led sessions. Interactive elements, including real-world case studies, pre- and post-surveys, quizzes, and Q&A forums, ensured an engaging and impactful learning experience.
The training demonstrated significant contributions to learning both quantitatively and qualitatively. The average knowledge and skill level increased from 2.97 at the start to 3.46 (on a 5 Likert Scale) by Module 9, indicating effective knowledge absorption. Additionally, 88.5% of participants expressed satisfaction or high satisfaction, and 95% reported their likelihood to apply the acquired knowledge in their professional roles. Participants particularly valued the inclusion of case studies, best practices, and interactive learning tools, which facilitated a deeper understanding of sustainable waste management principles.
The success of this training program highlights the increasing regional commitment to sustainable waste management and the need for continued capacity-building efforts. Recommendations from participants call for extended practical sessions, more interactive elements, and further post-training engagement opportunities to solidify learning outcomes. Moving forward, AIT RRC.AP remains committed to enhancing knowledge-sharing platforms and equipping ASEAN stakeholders with the tools needed to drive sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship in the region.
The kNOwWaste Knowledge Platform was developed through a Project Cooperation Agreement funding by UNEP on 2016. The platform provides data and information on holistic waste management to stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific region. The platform was developed with the following aims: generate and consolidate data or information on holistic waste management, transform data into easily comprehensible outputs for use by key stakeholders, map out and disseminate information on international waste management projects under the GPWM and UNEP projects as well as other international partners, and provide capacity building support through dissemination of data or information support for relevant stakeholders on holistic waste and waste management system.
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