Blue Community South Asia Strengthens Regional Coordination for Water Justice and Sustainable Water Governance.
The global Blue Community movement continues its global expansion with the strengthening of its South Asia Chapter through the establishment of the Blue Community South Asia Core Coordination (BCSACC). The new regional coordination structure marks an important milestone for the movement’s growing presence across South Asia and reflects the increasing commitment of organizations, institutions, researchers, and community leaders to protect water as a human right and public good.
Since the first Blue Community joined in South Asia one year ago, the region has seen a very dynamic development within the international network. The chapter currently includes Blue Communities in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. 18 organizations from across the region have joined the movement, contributing expertise in community development, environmental protection, humanitarian work, education, research, and sustainable water management. First Blue Communities in Bhutan and Sri Lanka shall join soon.
The newly established Blue Community South Asia Core Coordination (CC) follows a one months discussion and voting process in the coordination of the designated Blue Communities. The CC has been created to strengthen communication, networking, outreach, and cooperation among Blue Community partners throughout the region. The CC will support the expansion of affiliations, facilitate regional events and knowledge exchange, promote public awareness campaigns, and encourage collaboration among NGOs, academic institutions, municipalities, community organizations, and public institutions.
The establishment of the CC does not replace the democratic structure of the Blue Community movement in the region. Important decisions regarding the development of Blue Community South Asia will continue to be taken collectively by all officially designated Blue Communities. The CC serves as a locally based operational structure that ensures responsibilities, communication tasks, outreach activities, and regional coordination duties can be carried out efficiently and effectively within South Asia itself. This model combines democratic participation with practical regional leadership and reflects the cooperative spirit that defines the Blue Community movement worldwide.
The growth of the Blue Community network in South Asia represents an important contribution to regional efforts addressing water insecurity, climate change, environmental degradation, and unequal access to safe drinking water and sanitation. South Asia is home to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations facing water-related challenges, making regional cooperation and community-based solutions increasingly important.
Blue Community co-founder Maude Barlow welcomed the strengthening of the movement in Asia with great enthusiasm:
“South Asia is home to extraordinary movements, organizations and communities working every day to protect water and defend the rights of people and nature. The growth of Blue Community in the region is inspiring and deeply important. By joining our efforts across borders and cultures, we are building a stronger global movement for water justice. I send my warmest congratulations and look forward to seeing Blue Community South Asia become a powerful voice for the protection of water as a human right and public trust.”
Roland Brunner, coordinator of the international Blue Community Network, expressed his gratitude to all organizations and individuals who have contributed to this important development:
“The establishment of the Blue Community South Asia Core Coordination is the result of remarkable dedication, commitment and voluntary engagement from many partners across the region. I would like to sincerely thank all organizations, activists, researchers and community leaders who have invested their time, energy and vision into building this network. Their work demonstrates the strength of international solidarity and the power of local action. We are grateful for their leadership and look forward to continuing our cooperation.”
The Blue Community Network extends its best wishes to all partners and members involved in this new phase of regional development. The creation of the South Asia Core Coordination provides a strong foundation for future growth, deeper cooperation, and greater impact throughout the region.
As the Blue Community South Asia continues to expand, it carries forward a shared commitment to protecting water as a common good, promoting equitable and sustainable water governance, strengthening public water services, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy safe and accessible water.
The international Blue Community Network wishes the South Asia Chapter every success for its future development and looks forward to many years of cooperation, innovation, and collective action for water justice across the region and beyond.
Meet the Blue Community South Asia Core Coordination and its members here
Download the Official Communication Document issued by the Core Coordination (PDF)
