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Asia-Pacific Post
May 2025 |
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Window to sustainable home
Praphan and his daughter at their new home made of upcycled materials. Photos: Habitat for Humanity Thailand. |
In Thailand's Patum Thani province, Praphan and his daughter live in a home built with more than three tons of high-density polyethylene bottles. It was also Habitat Thailand's first upcycled house in collaboration with PTT Global Chemical and P&G Thailand that worked closely with partners to develop eco-boards and an eco-roof. The project also helped to raise the awareness of effective plastic waste management. NEWSThe hunt for housing solutions
A secure home provides a conducive study environment for children like Shishir who lives in Nepal. Photo: Habitat for Humanity/Jason Asteros.
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The need for affordable, innovative housing solutions is bigger than ever amid the pandemic and climate crises. In a Q&A interview with Devex, Luis Noda, Habitat’s Asia-Pacific vice president, called on governments, the private sector, and civil society to work together to develop adequate, contextualized housing solutions. Investments in housing solutions will also benefit urban development, employment, economic recovery and growth, and individual health. The article was part of a sponsored publicity series for Habitat’s housing forums in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Investing in innovator
Tvasta built its first 3D-printed house in India.
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Habitat has announced a new investment in Tvasta, a 3D printing startup out of India with a vision to “build for a billion.” Through the Shelter Venture Fund managed by Habitat’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, promising affordable housing startups receive support to help scale up their innovations, so more families can access safe and reliable housing. Learn more at habitat.ngo/tvasta. People investment
EU Ambassador Denis Chaibi (center) at the handover ceremony in Sri Lanka with local government representatives and homeowners. Photo: Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka.
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A ceremony was recently held to hand over homes in the European Union-funded “Homes not Houses” project in Sri Lanka. “Our lives have taken a turn for the better. We now dare to dream of a better future for our children who want to be doctors, teachers and bankers to contribute to the development of our country,” said homeowner Nagalingam. Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said the multiyear project was an amalgam of the EU’s priorities: investing in people and preserving the environment. Featuring a homeowner-driven approach, about 45% of the homes were built with innovative, sustainable and low-carbon construction technologies and materials such as compressed stabilized earth blocks. Through Habitat Sri Lanka’s partner World Vision Lanka, about 46,000 people received skills training and livelihood support and improved disaster resilience. SC Johnson partnerships in Japan and Vietnam
The children support center's kitchen before (left) and after (right) after renovation. Photos: Habitat for Humanity Japan.
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A renovated school toilet. Photo: Habitat for Humanity Vietnam.
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Modeled like a warm, traditional home, a children support center in Japan’s Yokohama city has been providing after-school care to young students. The children also play and cook together. But rat infestation and a worn-out kitchen had marred their experience. With SC Johnson’s support, Habitat Japan provided for the pest extermination and kitchen renovation and has served almost 140 people through repairs of a total of four facilities. Over in Vietnam, a partnership with SC Johnson has enabled almost 4,000 individuals in Dong Thap province to improve their housing and sanitation conditions. Habitat and climate change For the first time, Habitat for Humanity will have observer status at the 26th Conference of the Parties meeting, or COP26. The official UN climate change conference will be held from October 31 to November 11 in Glasgow, Scotland. Besides sending a five-person delegation, Habitat will have an opportunity to deliver brief remarks on housing and climate change to the full conference. It will also sponsor two youth participants in a panel titled “Our Climate, Our Future: An Intergenerational Dialogue.” OTHER Counting down to Asia-Pacific Housing Forum
A roundup of updates before the Asia-Pacific Housing Forum takes place virtually from December 7-9, 2021.
- The youth’s voice must be heard, particularly at a time when they are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Be inspired by Ana Malia Falemaka from Tonga (pictured right) who spoke at the 2019 Asia-Pacific Housing Forum. Let key stakeholders know what you think about “Building forward better for inclusive housing.” Take the survey via https://bit.ly/YouthSays
- For those with a keen interest in land tenure, please sign up for the online training course from November 29 to December 3 for a fee of US$50. More details.
- The top 12 finalists for the 2021 Asia-Pacific Housing Forum Innovation Awards will vie to be the winner in each of the three categories at a virtual grand premiere on December 1. Find out more.
Touchpoints
Marnie (left) sorting curtains; Habitat supporters (right) at a Hong Kong event. Screenshot of Marnie from Habitat New Zealand's video; Hong Kong photo by Summery Creation Ltd.
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We continue to be grateful to our volunteers and supporters. “I've had a fortunate life, and if I can make somebody else's life a little bit happier and brighter and more comfortable, then that's good with me,” said Marnie Sleeman, a volunteer with Habitat New Zealand’s curtain bank project. Over in Hong Kong, Habitat supporters connected with one another at the recently refurbished Central Market. Guests came in 1920s and 1930s-inspired outfits and were treated to live chamber music. We appreciate your support for Habitat and the people from all walks of life who partner with us. Please invite others to subscribe for more updates and stories.
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