Water, soil, air
Healthy ecosystems are the basis of all life. But they are under threat – from pollution, exploitation and climate change. Together with our partners, we are working to protect air, water and soil more effectively and use degraded land sustainably.
Using resources sustainably
Protection and restoration of air, water and soil as a basis for development
Thinking in terms of networked systems
Strengthening integrated land, water and soil management
Minimising risks
Avoiding harmful emissions, chemicals and environmental pollution. Disposal and treatment of wastewater
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Combining policies and practice
Developing strategies, laws and monitoring together with partners
We are working in numerous fields of activity – including air pollution control, land management, water resource management and chemical safety – to secure natural resources for the long term. The topics range from international policy advice to implementation on site – always in cooperation with local, national and international partners.
Air pollution control: clean air for people and the environment
Air pollution is a global health and climate problem. Together with our partner countries, we develop national strategies for air pollution control, advise on technical and regulatory measures and support the development of emission inventories and monitoring systems.
We focus on particularly harmful air pollutants such as methane, soot and ground-level ozone in order to create synergies between healthcare, climate action and environmental protection. Our work includes conducting awareness campaigns and strengthening official expertise.
Cleaner air not only protects health, but also strengthens climate action and nutrition security.
Water protection: securing livelihoods, strengthening resilience
Only one per cent of the world’s water is directly usable – and it is precisely this resource that is increasingly under threat. GIZ is therefore promoting strategies for integrated water resource management (IWRM), supporting the establishment of protected areas, early warning systems and a legal framework.
We are also focusing on nature-based solutions such as wetland renaturation or reforestation to strengthen water reservoirs in the landscape. A particular focus is on involving local communities and disadvantaged groups.
Our work approaches:
- Promoting equitable and climate-adapted water supply, sanitation and wastewater treatment
- Institutional strengthening and policy advice
- Cooperation with research, authorities and civil society
Soil conservation: basis for food, climate and biodiversity
Healthy soil stores carbon, nutrients and water – and forms the basis for agriculture and biodiversity. Nevertheless, more than a third of the world’s soil is degraded. We support partner countries in restoration, soil conservation and monitoring.
Our measures:
- Promoting soil-conserving agriculture
- Restoring degraded areas
- Involving local communities, especially indigenous groups, women and youth
- Establishing sustainable financing solutions and monitoring systems
© GIZ
What is land degradation?
Land degradation refers to the long-term deterioration of soil – for example due to erosion, salinisation or pollutant inputs. Degraded land areas lead to lower yields and biodiversity loss, while making regions more vulnerable to climate impacts. More than a third of the world’s land areas are already severely degraded, threatening the livelihoods of 3.2 billion people and future generations.
Sustainable land management: preventing resource conflicts
We advise our partners on how to make land use socially just, climate-resilient and productive. Secure land rights, integrated planning and local participation play a central role here.
Core elements:
- Strengthening traditional usage rights and distributive justice
- Promoting cross-border cooperation
- Connecting local knowledge with policy reform processes
Reducing environmental pollution: improving chemical safety
Chemicals are an integral part of many supply chains – from textiles to agriculture and industry. But they also harbour risks for people and the environment. GIZ supports the responsible use of chemicals – throughout their entire life cycle.
Exemplary approaches:
- Advising on recycling and disposal
- Minimising pollutant inputs
- Standards for textiles or fertilisers
- Promoting environmental and health and health management in companies
This project focuses on the following GIZ work priorities:
The project contributes to these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations: