Improving water security, safe sanitation and climate resilience

Context

Climate-resilient water management, safe access to drinking water and reliable hygiene and sanitation are the foundation for climate adaptation and mitigation, health, food security, peace and resilient ecosystems and societies.

According to the United Nations (UN), 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have reliable access to clean drinking water and 3.5 billion people do not have adequate sanitation. Population growth and climate change are putting pressure on water availability and quality, while urbanisation, industrial and economic development, and land use change are further exacerbating the situation.

Objective

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is improving water security and safe sanitation as a basis for people, ecosystems and long-term economic development.

Approach

The project supports BMZ with expert advice, concepts, innovations and financing. The integral approaches are incorporated into policy documents, development strategies, project planning and investments via German and international organisations. At the same time, it promotes pro-poor and gender-equitable global water objectives and alliances, and highlights water as a resilience multiplier.

In addition to a safe drinking water supply and sanitation services, the project aims to improve the availability of water resources. It promotes nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation as well as biodiversity. There is a focus on good governance and the participation and systematic empowerment of women and girls in the water sector. For example, the project supports concepts for menstrual hygiene as well as the global networking of key players for resilient sanitation.

The project contributes to resolving conflicts over water by involving a range of actors. It supports partnerships with private actors, civil society, the UN, and the European Union to increase water security worldwide.