Project Overview

Indonesia faces a growing challenge: the increasing threat of urban flooding due to climate change and rapid urbanization. Recognizing that floods disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, especially women and low-income communities, the latest report from the FINCAPES project—implemented by the University of Waterloo—explores how to integrate Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Inclusion (GESEI) into social protection measures.

What is Social Protection and Why Does it Matter?

Social protection encompasses policies and instruments designed to provide income support and access to essential goods and services, acting as a safety net during times of hardship. In the context of urban flooding, gender-responsive social protection systems are crucial to ensuring that those most affected receive adequate support.

Understanding the Unequal Impacts of Flooding

The report highlights how societal gender norms, economic disparities, and limited access to resources make women and low-income households particularly susceptible to the impacts of floods. It also addresses the heightened risk of gender-based violence, health crises, and educational disruptions that flooding can cause.

Collaborative Research and Policy Guidance

This research is part of the broader efforts of the FINCAPES project, a collaboration between the University of Waterloo, IPB University, and other key institutions. By combining expertise in climate resilience, social equity, and disaster risk management, this study provides valuable insights into how Indonesia can strengthen its social protection frameworks.

The report presents practical examples of programs that effectively address GESEI concerns in urban flood contexts. These include the Benazir Income Support Program in Pakistan, the Comoros Social Safety Net Project, and the Extreme Heat Income Insurance in India—each demonstrating innovative ways to build resilience to climate-related shocks.

Additionally, the report offers a comprehensive checklist for designing gender-transformative and responsive social protection programs. This framework emphasizes human rights, addresses gender disparities, and outlines concrete steps to enhance inclusion in disaster response strategies.

Why This Matters for Indonesia

Tailored to Indonesia’s unique socio-economic and environmental context, the report provides insights that can directly inform policy and program development. It underscores the importance of integrating gender equality into flood preparedness and response, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the necessary resources to recover and rebuild. It also highlights long-term strategies for strengthening community resilience, with global examples that could be adapted to Indonesia’s needs.

Access the Full Report

To explore this critical issue in depth, download the full report: "Integrating Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Inclusion into Social Protection for Urban Flooding."

Pontianak, Indonesia – November 13-14, 2024 – The Flood Impacts, Carbon Pricing, and Ecosystem Sustainability (FINCAPES) project recently hosted a two-day workshop titled "From Risks to Resilience Through Flood Risk Modeling for Pontianak City." This workshop brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, environmental experts, academics, and community representatives, to foster collaborative solutions to the city's pressing flood concerns.

FINCAPES, a collaborative initiative funded by the Government of Canada, is working to enhance Indonesia's capacity to adapt to and mitigate climate change. This workshop reflects the project's commitment to supporting informed decision-making through scientific research and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Prof. Stefan Steiner, FINCAPES Project's Principal Investigator, presented insights on integrating scientific data into urban planning and disaster mitigation strategies. He showcased successful international case studies, demonstrating the power of flood modeling to guide effective interventions.

A key study presented at the workshop, facilitated by FINCAPES, revealed that 84% of Pontianak's total area is vulnerable to flooding. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include the slow flow of the Kapuas River and the projected sea level rise, which could reach up to 2.20 meters by 2124 under a high emissions scenario.

Participants emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to flood mitigation, encompassing modernized drainage systems, improved waste management, nature-based solutions, community-based initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration. Dr. Sri Mastuti, FINCAPES Project's GESI Expert, stressed the importance of incorporating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) perspectives into flood management strategies to address the unique vulnerabilities of marginalized groups.

The workshop, facilitated by FINCAPES, fostered a productive dialogue among stakeholders, culminating in a call for collaborative action to build a safer, more sustainable, and resilient Pontianak. By integrating scientific knowledge, innovative solutions, and community engagement, the city can effectively mitigate flood risks and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

For more information about the workshop: here