Status of Water Security in East and Southeast Asia

In this chapter, the water security status in East and Southeast Asia is investigated by examining some important dimensions associated with water issues. First, the water availability and water use pattern are reviewed and the socioeconomic implication of water resources is analysed in the region. Next, the concept of “water security” and several frameworks that assess, rank, and compare the national water security status of East and Southeast Asian countries are reviewed. This chapter also reviews the progress of SDG 6 in the region and major regional challenges in relation to water security issues, including access to clean water and sanitation, water shortages, water quality, environmental water flow, water-related disasters, and transboundary water. Finally, the chapter ends by presenting good practices in the region towards regional water security.