From INOWASIA to Local Wastewater Sustainable Management

Souphanouvong University (SU) is actively engaged in developing local influence through the use of INOWASIA expertise and the establishment of a living laboratory to enhance sustainable wastewater management practices in Luang Phrabang City, Lao PDR.

Mr. Anousith Vannaphon, a fellow faculty member from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry Resources at SU, participated actively in various capacity-building initiatives facilitated by INOWASIA. These initiatives encompassed his participation in a problem-based learning course, as well as online courses focused on water-related topics. Additionally, Mr. Anousith VANNAPHON received training on the Internet of things and was involved in the planning and monitoring of a water-related living lab (WOLL).

At present, Mr. Anousith VANNAPHON is using the knowledge and skills obtained from INOWASIA to establish a partnership with a local urban development and management organization. The objective of this collaboration is to enhance the quality and management of wastewater in Luang Prabang, a world heritage city situated in the northern region of Lao PDR.

Sources: https://inowasia.com/

Knowledge transferring

The preliminary collaborative endeavor between SU and Luang Prabang Urban Development and Management Organization, commencing in March 2023, has produced some outcomes, which are outlined below:

-           A training session on wastewater analysis and management was conducted for four personnel working at the Luang Prabang Urban Development and Management Organization.

-           A selection of samples and six designated investigation stations within the city of Luang Prabang were established.

-           An agreement was established to use the equipment available at the SU INOWASIA Living Lab for the purpose of analyzing wastewater.

-           The University has agreed to offer academic assistance and training to the personnel of the Urban Development and Management Organization.

Wastewater samples collection

Equipment use demonstration

INOWASIA is an Erasmus + Capacity Building Higher Education project that promotes a joint action of 11 organisations across 5 countries (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, France and Spain) to train a new generation of water professionals in Southeast Asia. More info