As climate impacts intensify across Southeast Asia, water is emerging as both a critical vulnerability and a powerful lever for adaptation. In this interview with Water & Wastewater Asia, Dave Sivaprasad of BCG explains why aligning climate strategy through water could unlock scalable, cross-sector solutions—and why businesses should view resilience as an investment, not a cost.
Dave Sivaprasad, managing director & partner at BCG and Southeast Asia lead for climate and sustainability, advocates for water-centred adaptation strategies to build climate resilience in the region (Image: BCG)
In Southeast Asia, the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt through water—whether in the form of floods, droughts or pollution. Yet, despite this, adaptation efforts have often remained fragmented across the region. According to Dave Sivaprasad, managing director and partner at BCG and Southeast Asia lead for climate and sustainability, this gap between ambition and action can be closed by focusing adaptation efforts through the lens of water.
“Water is where climate impacts are most visible… yet adaptation efforts have often remained fragmented, especially in Southeast Asia,” said Sivaprasad. “The Adaptation through Water (AtW) framework provides a practical lens to align stakeholders around investable solutions, especially those that support the region’s development goals.”
One such effort is the Southeast Asia Partnership for Adaptation through Water (SEAPAW), an initiative of the Singapore International Foundation and World Economic Forum, a platform that brings together public and private actors to translate climate strategy into scalable, water-related projects. “AtW offers tangible entry points and collaborative cross-sectoral actions,” he added.
Adaptation as opportunity, not cost
Sivaprasad emphasised that adaptation should not be seen as a financial burden for businesses, but rather a strategic opportunity. Investing in adaptive infrastructure, circular water use and resilient supply chains can reduce operational risk while unlocking new efficiencies and revenue streams.
“Flood-proofing industrial zones or investing in smart irrigation are not just safeguards but also productivity unlocks,” he explained. “Southeast Asia’s adaptation gap presents a multibillion-dollar investment opportunity, and forward-thinking companies have a chance to lead in markets that increasingly reward resilience.”
Which sectors can lead?
Water affects nearly every sector, but Sivaprasad highlighted three industries that are particularly well-positioned to lead on water-based adaptation: agriculture, real estate and infrastructure, and manufacturing.
“Agriculture is on the frontlines of water stress,” he said. “Measures like precision irrigation and resilient crop systems are essential.”
Urban developers and infrastructure operators can integrate flood risk management and water reuse into long-term planning, especially as cities across the region expand rapidly. Manufacturers—particularly in water-intensive sectors such as textiles and food processing—can adopt circular water strategies and demonstrate environmental leadership.
“These sectors are not only highly exposed but also have the scale and stakeholder reach to drive systemic change,” he noted.
Making nature-based solutions work
Nature-based solutions (NbS) have gained momentum, but for businesses to implement them effectively, a structured approach is needed.
“Start with baseline assessments of your water footprint and operational risks,” advised Sivaprasad. “Then prioritise high-impact nature-based interventions, like mangrove restoration, that deliver multiple co-benefits—flood protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity.”
Financing these initiatives may require blended approaches, combining commercial investment with concessional capital or leveraging carbon markets. Crucially, partnerships with local communities can ensure long-term viability and impact.
“Companies should work with local initiatives through platforms like SEAPAW to ensure solutions are context-specific and scalable,” he added.
Adapting to diversity
Southeast Asia’s climate adaptation needs are far from uniform. With varying geographies, climates and economies, the region requires bespoke strategies that reflect local realities.
“The region faces triple water stress: too much, too little, and too dirty,” said Sivaprasad. “This is compounded by rapid urbanisation, coastal vulnerabilities and growing water and food security needs.”
He stressed that adaptation solutions must be deeply localised, community-centred and operationally grounded. “They must also be financially viable and culturally attuned. Platforms like SEAPAW are vital for fostering collaboration and shared learning across borders.”
As climate pressures intensify, water will remain both a frontline challenge and a critical point of intervention. For Southeast Asia, success in adaptation may well depend on its ability to act through water.
