The KERING Drought Relief Center is conceptualized as a direct response to the growing threat of drought, particularly in Asian regions where climate variability, high population density, deforestation, and rapid urbanization amplify the severity of water scarcity. Drought not only limits immediate access to clean water but also disrupts ecosystems, reduces agricultural productivity, and threatens economic stability. Recognizing the urgency of these challenges, the KERING project is envisioned as a proactive and sustainable solution that integrates water conservation, education, and community resilience into one unified facility. It aims to mitigate the long-term impacts of drought by empowering communities with tools, knowledge, and systems necessary for adaptation.
The KERING center is designed as a multifunctional drought relief and educational facility that serves local communities, farmers, NGOs, and government bodies. It combines practical support and educational outreach by offering training in water management and sustainable agricultural techniques. The center focuses on community empowerment through access to information and resources that help mitigate the effects of drought. Farmers benefit from advanced irrigation systems such as drip and hydroponics, which reduce water consumption while maintaining crop productivity. In addition, the research component of the center contributes to the continuous development of drought resilience strategies, making KERING a key contributor to long-term water security and climate adaptation in vulnerable areas.
Technically, the KERING Drought Relief Center is equipped with an integrated water harvesting system capable of collecting, filtering, and storing water efficiently. Its design accounts for various types of drought—meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural—making the system adaptable to different water shortage scenarios. The architecture is shaped by regional climate patterns, particularly in Southeast Asia, where heavy monsoons alternate with long dry seasons. This necessitates maximum water collection during rainy periods for use during droughts. KERING incorporates water-efficient farming systems like drip irrigation and hydroponics, significantly reducing agricultural water usage. To support sustainable operations, the facility is powered primarily by solar energy, ensuring self-sufficiency while minimizing environmental impact. The infrastructure is designed to serve densely populated, low-income regions that often face limited access to clean water and lack resilient water systems.