ABSTRACT
Water is synonymous with life and culture in Southeast Asia. The tropical landscapes of the region are defined by the seasonal monsoon rains, floods and rivers that shape and connect ecologies, livelihoods, commerce, cultures and social activities. Total water consumption in the region has been steadily rising due to the intensification of agriculture and industry, as well as changing living standards, lifestyles and population increases. This has led to an overall decline of 31 percent in estimated total renewable water resources per capita across the region from an average of 23,640 m3/inhab/yr in 1992 to 16,272.63 m3/inhab/yr in 2014 (FAO 2015). In comparison to other regions around the world, however, water availability in Southeast Asia still remains theoretically fairly high despite the steady rise in water demand.
