Challenge

Poor waste management is a critical issue across many developing countries. In Indonesia, inadequate government-led services collect only about 30–40 per cent of the waste produced, mainly servicing communities with higher incomes. Environmental engineer and single mother of two, Yuyun Ismawati worked for years designing rural and city water supply systems but felt that her skills and knowledge were not reaching the communities who were most in need of sustainable and safe waste management solutions.

Action

Emphasising the importance of engaging local communities in waste management, Yuyun developed a number of models to build capacity within organisations to respond to the needs of poor communities across Indonesia. In 2000, she founded her own NGO, Bali Fokus, to help disseminate and replicate community-based models. In 2003, she initiated a solid waste management programme in Gianyar, Bali, training local communities to run their own waste facilities. In 2004, she developed the “decentralised solution initiative” which trains local women in low-income urban areas in practices such as recycling and composting household waste.

Impact

The waste facility in Gianyar now employs 40 local residents and receives carbon credits from the voluntary market to support its sustainability. In addition, income from the sale of recyclable materials and compost benefits local farmers. The “decentralised solution initiative” now involves 500 households and has halved waste in the participating villages. Women have also been able to generate income by selling their compost at local markets. Yuyun has been awarded the prestigious Goldman Prize, which honors grassroots leaders who undertake extraordinary actions to protect the environment.