Project Information
Implementing Agency: UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub
Executing Agency: PEMSEA Resource Facility
Funding Institution: Global Environment Facility
Participating ASEAN Member States: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam
Project duration: 5 years (January 2023 to December 2027)
Project Grant: USD 8,479,123
Project Co-financing: USD 106,985,192
Spanning five years, the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Project takes a comprehensive approach to protection and conservation, focusing on priority river basins in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The project aims to reduce pollution, protect freshwater flows, and strengthen climate resilience.
This initiative influences four key large marine ecosystems—the Bay of Bengal, South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand, and Indonesian Sea—since the selected river basins in these countries drain into them. The project acknowledges the vital connection between river health, the well-being of marine environments, and the communities that rely on the resources that these critical bodies of water support.
The IRBM Project is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of Asia (PEMSEA) Resource Facility, in collaboration with ASEAN.
This graphic is not drawn to scale and is provided for illustration purposes only.
Project Goal
To establish functional IRBM mechanisms in the priority river basins of six ASEAN Member States to reduce pollution, sustain freshwater flows, and enhance resilience to climate change vulnerabilities
To achieve this goal, the project employs a solution-oriented approach that includes:
- Strengthening understanding of Source-to-Sea governance, socioeconomic and ecological conditions, while identifying gaps and needs in the seven priority river basins and their associated coastal areas
- Implementing pilot projects that deliver practical, on-the-ground solutions to address key issues, using tested models designed for replication and scaling up
- Facilitating hands-on training, capacity-building programs, and knowledge-sharing activities to support participatory planning and the development of effective IRBM governance and management practices across the six ASEAN countries.
Project Components
PROJECT OUTCOME 1:
Improved understanding of the situation and challenges in the river basins and surrounding areas:
- State of River Basin Reports
PROJECT OUTCOME 2:
Improved Source-to-Sea management demonstrated in the IRBM Pilot Projects:
- Feasibility studies, financial analyses, public consultations for preferred options for addressing IRBM challenges and formalizing the commitments to implement the pilot projects
IRBM governance mechanism and instruments refined:
- Good practices in IRBM governance and management
- Analysis of IRBM policies, strategies, laws, economic and financial instruments and partnership arrangements
- IRBM strategies and action plans
PROJECT OUTCOME 3:
Improved IRBM knowledge management and enabling capacities:
- Technical guide for a harmonized set of governance and management indicators
- Water quality monitoring and reporting
- Capacity building and skills on IRBM development and management
- Regional IRBM knowledge and communication management platform
- Regional and global forums, learning exchanges and networking
Project level monitoring and evaluation:
- Annual Project Implementation Review
- Independent mid-term and final evaluations
Project Publications
Integrated River Basin Management Project Regional Brochure
The Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Project is a critical initiative safeguarding and improving vital river basins across six ASEAN Member States. Guided by the Source-to-Sea principle, this five-year regional project, officially titled "Reducing Pollution and Preserving Environmental Flows in the East Asian Seas through the Implementation of Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) in ASEAN Countries", aims to establish functional IRBM mechanisms in priority river basins in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The project seeks to reduce pollution and sustain freshwater environmental flows while adapting to climate change vulnerabilities. By collaborating to strengthen river governance and management, the IRBM Project is laying the foundation for flourishing communities, resilient ecosystems, and sustainable economies.
The IRBM Project is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and executed by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of Asia (PEMSEA) Resource Facility, in collaboration with ASEAN.
Integrated River Basin Management Project GRM Brochure
The Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is a formal process established to address project-related concerns in a fair, transparent, and timely manner. The GRM ensures that individuals and communities affected by the IRBM Project have a voice and that their concerns are addressed openly and efficiently. It also guarantees that project activities adhere to social and environmental safeguards. Individuals, groups, or communities who believe they are or will be negatively affected by the IRBM Project are encouraged to submit their concerns or complaints. All submissions will be handled with strict confidentiality.
The Guidebook on the State of the River Basin (SORB) Reporting System
The Guidebook on the State of the River Basin (SORB) Reporting System is intended for local governments and/or river basinorganizations in the East Asian Seas region currently or planning to implement integrated river basin management (IRBM)/integratedwater resources management (IWRM) programs. It provides guidance in establishing a regular monitoring, evaluation (M&E) and reporting mechanism, and discusses the requirements, the basis and importance of implementing and sustaining the SORB reporting system.
IRBM Stories - Pasac-Guagua Watershed: A Sanctuary for Wildlife and People
Located in the central region of northern Philippines, the Pasac -Guagua Watershed is a critical source of water and livelihood that supports 152 villages within the watershed. It is one of the major river systems that drain to Manila Bay, considered the main harbor of the country that is connected to a larger marine ecosystem, that is, the South China Sea.
The Pasac-Guagua Watershed is also a biodiversity haven where a portion of it is an important migratory path for water birds. The protection and sustainable management of the watershed is essential not only for the communities and wildlife thriving in the area for coastal and marine ecosystems connected to the river.
Integrated River Basin Management Project Newsletter - Edition 4
“Making Waves from Source to Sea” is the fourth edition of the Integrated River Basin Management Project’s newsletter, which highlights the different levels of key activities and milestones for the second year of the Project across the region. From the IRBM Project’s participation at the recently concluded 10th Biennial International Water Conference in Uruguay, to regional gender and social inclusion workshop in Indonesia, and river basin level consultation with indigenous leaders and other stakeholders — the IRBM Project is gaining more momentum to ensure impactful results in each site.