Plastic pollution in the Pasig River is a critical environmental and social challenge, with the river contributing over 6% of global ocean plastic waste from rivers. The impacts of plastic waste are far-reaching, affecting water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and the health and livelihoods of communities along the riverbanks. In response to the Asian Development Bank’s Discovery Space Challenge, Arup developed a scalable open source AI enabled digital twin to provide actionable insights for plastic waste management. The digital twin integrates geospatial, environmental, and socio-economic data, enabling identification of pollution hotspots, waste types, and contributing activities. This initiative is not only a technological advancement but also a catalyst for positive change in waterway health and community well-being.

The Pasig River Plastic Waste Digital Twin, powered by advanced AI-ML models, represents a transformative approach to riverine plastic waste management. By enabling real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and community engagement, the project delivers measurable improvements in waterway health and quality of life for local residents. The outcomes extend beyond environmental benefits, fostering social cohesion, economic opportunity, and a culture of sustainability. Continued refinement of the models and expansion of the digital twin platform will further enhance its impact, supporting the vision of clean, healthy, and resilient waterways for communities across the region.

The outcomes include improved waterway health and tangible benefits for local communities, such as reduced flooding, enhanced public health, and increased community engagement in environmental stewardship