Visions of Asia's Water Realities

In 2001, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved its Water for All policy to promote water as a socially vital economic good that needs increasingly careful management. One imperative of the policy was to raise awareness on water challenges and the urgent need to address them.

Two years later in 2003, as part of a bank-wide water awareness program, ADB launched the Water Voices documentary series, a set of seven compelling documentaries about people finding local solutions to important water-related problems in Asia and the Pacific.

The documentaries highlight multiple perspectives, with protagonists explaining their roles in solving water problems. Their geographic, sociocultural, and political circumstances shape the solutions featured.

Designed to change mindsets and behavior of people and communities, the documentaries have enjoyed positive feedback and wide appeal. A 2005 survey revealed that viewers find them relevant, useful in training or meetings, and worth recommending to other colleagues.

Today, the Water Voices documentary series is considered one of ADB’s most successful tools for raising water awareness not only in Asia and the Pacific, but in other regions as well. Its success has prompted ADB to produce more water documentaries. The films have also been made available online and, like those under the Water Voices documentary series, have become popular tools for raising water awareness.