Project Description
The International WaterCentre at Griffith University was commissioned by World Health Organization (WHO) to undertake desk-based research and prepare a report on climate resilient sanitation in South East Asia. This contributed to WHO’s support to its eleven member states in advocating and raising awareness of the health impacts of climate change at national, regional and global levels. The report prepared by IWC GU expanded on previous work through a deeper exploration of climate resilient sanitation through the whole sanitation service delivery chain, as well as potential adaptation measures that can be taken to increase climate resilience.
Firstly, the key climate risks, hazards and vulnerabilities facing the region are outlined, as well as social, economic and governance readiness to respond to these risks. Secondly, an overview of sanitation systems for each country is included, and the public health risks associated with climate-affected sanitation outlined with particular vulnerable populations identified. Thirdly, an analysis of climate change risks, vulnerabilities, readiness as well as sanitation vulnerability assessments for 11 Member States are presented. The existing climate change and sanitation governance frameworks are outlined with tools assessed for level of mainstreaming for each country with an overview included in Section 5. Country-level information is presented in Country Profiles with good practice case studies described. Finally, building on country-level and regional analyses as well as global literature, the report suggests policy, regulatory, financial, technological, recommendations for building climate resilient sanitation in the region .
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
Bronwyn Powell (Lead)
Assoc. Prof Cara Beal
Dr Esther Onyango
The project benefits WHO project officers who have gone on to use the data and findings for training in climate resilient sanitation. The report was submitted to WHO and not made publicly available.
Outcomes to Date
The project findings have been shared at various forums by IWC GU (including WASH Reference Group), and by WHO. For instance, WHO reported that they have used the findings in Climate Resilient Sanitation training for government counterparts.
Project Significance
The project is important because it provides the first desktop analysis of climate resilient sanitation through the entire service change for sewered and onsite sanitaiton technologies, an analysis of climate integration into sanitation policy and regulation and recommendations to address health-related impacts of climate change on sanitation. These are all important for achieving SDG 6 targets in the face of increasing climate impacts.