Griffith University has hosted a workshop, Moving Towards Resource Efficient and Zero Waste Cities for a delegation of city and local government officials from Semarang City, Indonesia.
Dr Sunil Herat, Head of Environmental Engineering at Griffith University, led the workshop which investigated how city authorities and municipalities can work with other key stakeholders to promote zero waste policies and programs.
United Nations supported workshop
The event was co-hosted by The International Partnership for Expanding Waste Management Services of Local Authorities (IPLA), which is coordinated by United Nations Centre for Regional Development. The IPLA works to share knowledge and communicate best practices in waste management across borders.
Dr Herat said it is vital for regional partners to share information and promote research in the increasingly important areas of waste management and sustainable environments.
“Developing cities and municipalities, in particular, face major challenges when it comes to policies and programs,” Dr Herat said.
“These city authorities need to find appropriate ways to meet resource efficiency and zero waste in their overall urban planning and development,” he said.
Semarang is the largest city in the Province of Central Java with a population of around 2 million people. It is the sixth most populous city in Indonesia.
The Indonesian delegation attending the Griffith workshop included high-level city officials, heads of various government departments and industry associations. It was led by Semarang City Regional Secretary, Mr Adi Tri Hananto.
Waste management challenges
Dr Herat has delivered a range of workshops around the world. He has provided training in municipal solid waste management, hazardous waste management and cleaner production and eco-efficiency, with a special emphasis on developing and emerging nations. He is also highly sought after for his expertise in the sustainable management of electronic waste (e-waste).
Griffith University serves as a Sub-Regional Secretariat of IPLA for Australia and New Zealand, working with its partners to disseminate information and promote research in the areas of waste management and sustainable environments.