Climate Hero Toolkit

How can we inspire and support local government leaders to prioritise progress towards climate resilient and inclusive WASH services?

Building on years of leadership-focused research and learning activities implemented in partnership between the UTS Institute for Sustainable Future (ISF) and SNV in Bhutan, Lao PDR, and Nepal, we have worked together to explore this question and address both mindset and practical aspects of leadership in local government to support the delivery of WASH services that are resilient to current and future climate change impacts and advance equality.

The outcome is the Climate Hero Toolkit – an adaptive, engaging, and custom-made visual tool developed around four aspirational ‘climate hero’ personas who demonstrate values, leadership styles, actions, and outcomes of transformative leaders.

After choosing the persona they want to use as their role model, participants are encouraged to reflect about their own values and leadership styles and are then guided through a vision journey process to identify practical actions they can take.

The tools and process have been developed, piloted, and refined to inspire, build awareness, and foster a sense of agency in the individuals shaping the enabling environment of WASH services, recognising the power of personal transformation to drive wider system change.

This work forms part of a multi-country programme and an ongoing partnership between ISF, SNV, and the Australian Government Water for Women fund. It was delivered as part of SNV’s implementation of Climate Resilient Rural WASH framework approach in Bhutan, Lao PDR, and Nepal.

You can find the complete Climate Hero Toolkit below.