2020 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Barometer

INVENTORY OF ACCESS TO A VITAL WATER RESOURCE CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS IN CRISIS/ES? EDITORIAL CONTENTS

WATER 44 24 24 38 38 WATER & CRISIS/ES CHALLENGES AHEAD SOLUTIONS & INNOVATIONS IN CRISIS/ES? 5 Water is in crisis/es! 25 Water should be central! 39 Innovation is the future Alain Boinet, Founder Alexandre Giraud, of the WASH sector! 2020 WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE BAROMETER, 6th ISSUE of SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL (SI) Managing Director Anne-Lise Lavaur (SI) INVENTORY OF ACCESS TO A VITAL of SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL 6 Water in figures 40 Overcoming risk aversion Water is life, but today water is in danger everywhere, as a result of pollution, RESOURCE, CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS A SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL publication 2 6 Emergency response: Thierry Benlahsen (SI) diminishing resources and climate change. And 2.6 million people – primarily children – the challenges faced by the Water, Managing editor Alexandre Giraud 8 Only 10 more years to turn Maintaining access die every year from water-related diseases. Sanitation and Hygiene sector 41 Head of communication Renaud Douci the SDG hopes into reality! in challenging contexts Groupe URD/Global Wash Cluster Editor-in-chief Chloé Demoulin Gérard Payen Xavier Lauth (SI) SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, which will celebrate 40 years of humanitarian action Editorial staff Julien Barbier, 27 Emergency response: 9 Displaced persons: New data-based, this year, is once again sounding the alarm. Water is in crisis and this 2020 Water, Thierry Benlahsen, Clotilde Bertet, three obstacles to overcome 42 Alain Boinet, Natacha Calandre, Lucile Chabot, leaving no one behind contextually-relevant approaches MSF (Doctors Without Borders) Sanitation and Hygiene Barometer aims to take stock of the current situation, as well as Chloé Demoulin, Renaud Douci, UNHCR Melissa Opryszko Alexandre Giraud, Wangcos Laurore, the risks and solutions, with field workers, experts, benchmark organizations and leading “Water is both the source and Tracy Wise (OFDA) Xavier Lauth, Anne-Lise Lavaur, Aude Lazzarini, 10 Eight things you need to know 2 8 figures, on the occasion of World Water Day (March 22nd). Emmanuelle Maisonnave, Julie Mayans, and the victim of crises” about the global sanitation crisis Haiti: no new cholera cases Justine Muzik Piquemal, Alicia Piveteau, Charles Tellier and Céline Robert (AFD) 44 Marie-Françoise Sitnam and UN WATER for one year This water crisis severely affects health, agriculture, livestock rearing, food and energy, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL teams In Kalemie, lack of funding Operations Management 11 A tale of two children 3 0 Contributors Julien Eyrard, Édith Guiochon, threatens the fight against cholera in Haiti (SI) / UNICEF and causes ever-increasing tensions between various water-users, farmers and herders, UNICEF Anne Guion, Jean Launay, Sandra Métayer, Operations Management in DRC, urban and rural populations. François Münger, Niokhor Ndour, 2020, a landmark year for water 12 Cholera, major outbreaks with Lucile Chabot (SI) 46 Melissa Opryszko, Erik Orsenna, Gérard Payen, Jean Launay (FWP) Céline Robert, Ryan Schweitzer, around the world In 2015, 195 UN member countries unanimously adopted the 17 Sustainable 3 2 The challenges of protecting Hamed Semega, Charles Tellier, Tracy Wise GTFCC Water sharing at the heart access to water and sanitation 49 Development Goals (SDGs), including universal access to water by 2030. Photos Maxence Bradley, Renaud Douci, of war and peace 13 DRC faces the biggest Marie-Françoise Sitnam (SI) In 2018, the UN announced that we were not on the right track to achieve this goal. Gwenn Dubourthoumieu, Vincent Ghilione, Anne Guion (La Vie) Tiecoura N’Daou, Prince Naymuzzaman Khan, cholera epidemic in its history And since then, nothing or next to nothing has happened. 34 Access to sanitation: progress, Adrienne Surprenant, Vincent Tremeau – Operations Management in DRC (SI) 50 Water consciousness, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, Florian Seriex, but a mixed reality to shape future diplomacy Sanjit Das – Action contre la Faim 14 The Sahel in the midst Julien Eyrard (ACF) The 9th World Water Forum, which will take place in March 2021 in Dakar, Senegal, François Münger (GWH) Cover Renaud Douci of climate change 35 What are the aims of France’s and Niokhor Ndour (Pôle Eau Dakar) must be a different kind of Forum, a Forum of responses, especially for sub-Saharan Graphic design and illustration SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL new international strategy? Africa, the most disadvantaged continent in terms of drinking water access, where F. Javelaud 51 Mali: reducing the conflicts 18 Climate change: Sandra Métayer (Coalition Eau) the population is set to double by 2050. Printing COPYMAGE surrounding water points water and human security at risk English translation Jenny Fowler, Water isn’t earned, it’s a right! Aude Lazzarini Alicia Piveteau (SI) 36 SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL Édith Guiochon (Coalition Eau) and Emmanuelle Maisonnave (SI) The Dakar Forum must represent the most vulnerable populations, as well as Thank you to the editorial boards 19 Water must remain a source of life of Le Monde and La Vie for permission Monitoring the quality the organizations that are actively working to respond to the urgent water and sanitation in West Africa 52 to reproduce the “Conflit hydropolitique sur le of WASH projects - a new situation. The Forum must provide practical responses and produce an emergency Erik Orsenna (IAGF) Nil” map from L’Atlas de l’Eau et des Océans. coordinated approach political declaration that commits nations to action, in a world where 2.1 billion people and Hamed Séméga (OMVS) Thank you to UNICEF for permission James Brown (OXFAM) to reproduce and adapt the diagram “A Tale still do not have safe access to drinking water and 4.2 billion lack access to sanitation. 2 0 9th World Water Forum “Dakar 2021”: of Two Children” from Water Under Fire Volume 1: 54 Dhaka: helping slum dwellers Emergencies, development and peace in fragile living up to the expectations exercise their right to water The world is thirsty, we cannot wait any longer, and no one must be left behind. and conflict-affected contexts. of those who thirst for drinking water, With Clotilde Bertet (SI) This is our mission and the Forum’s mission too. Thank you to GTFCC for permission an opportunity and a challenge to reproduce the “Major Cholera Outbreaks Exclusive interview with Abdoulaye 55 Oudin-Santini law - An appeal 2017-2018” map from Overview of Ending Sene and Patrick Lavarde Cholera, A Global Roadmap to 2030. to French communities from SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL Thank you to ACF and RBM for permission BY ALAIN BOINET, to reproduce and adapt the “Situation pastorale au Sahel, 2019” map. FOUNDER OF SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL

AND ALEXANDRE GIRAUD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL

THE SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL WATER AGENDA Every year on March 22nd, World Water Day, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL campaigns against the devastating consequences of unsafe drinking water, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. That is why, this year, we are publishing internationally the 6th issue of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Barometer. With this 6th issue, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL also aims to alert public opinion and spur decision-makers into action, both in the run-up SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL to the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar in 2021, and in the longer term, to achieve Goal 6 of the 2030 SDGs for universal access to drinking Gaining access and providing emergency assistance to those affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics, followed by early water and sanitation. recovery assistance, has been the defining commitment of the humanitarian NGO SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL for 40 years. Access to Water, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is a member of the French Water Partnership and Coalition Eau. In 2016, we took part in Marrakesh COP22 Sanitation and Hygiene is the focus of our teams’ expertise and actions in the field. Currently present in some twenty countries, they provide on the issue of water in the Sahel and in March 2018, we attended the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia. In France, we work within vital humanitarian aid to around 4 million people, solely on the basis of their needs, respecting their dignity, and without judging or taking sides. the “Groupe de Concertation Humanitaire” to strengthen the French Government’s commitment to promote universal, effective rights solidarites.org of access to drinking water worldwide. WATER & CRISIS/ES

BY ALAIN BOINET, FOUNDER OF SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL WATER IS IN CRISIS/ES!

Water is life, but water is threatened “We now know that the number of people and must mobilize actors in the field, by pollution of all kinds, by scarcity without access to safe drinking water has humanitarian and development workers, due to its over‑consumption and only decreased from 2.3 to 2.2 billion in 17 public and private operators. by climate change, which all cause years. (...) Worse, in sub-Saharan Africa, water stress and dangerous tensions the number of people using water that is This Forum must also act as a stimulus between various users. What is probably contaminated increased by 45% and a driver, urging countries and the UN the current situation and what can between 2000 and 2017”, warns the expert to achieve the SDGs, including Goal 6, be done? Gérard Payen in his article on the SDGs for which they unanimously adopted. We this Barometer. still have 10 years to achieve universal access to drinking water, which has been In the first part of this Barometer, you will considered a Human Right by the UN oday, 2.2 billion people in the find figures and articles on access to water since July 2010. TT world do not have access and sanitation, on water-related diseases, to safe drinking water and 4.2 billion on the impact of climate change in the This Forum’s theme is “Water Security are without safe access to sanitation. Sahel, on large rivers and on institutional for Peace and Development”. The real Meanwhile, 80% of wastewater in the and development policies, as well challenge, as we now know, is to take world is discharged without any treatment, as an “exclusive interview” with the action to ensure that water does not as is the case in the Mediterranean! co-presidents of the 9th World Water become a factor of conflict and danger for Pollution threatens our health. Forum in Dakar in March 2021: more than populations and their development! This is an inventory, it is a state of emergency! the challenge we must take up together. Of course, there has been progress, but it is far from sufficient and we know that This 6th Water, Sanitation and Hygiene This Forum must be a Forum of practical we are not currently on the right track to Barometer aims to contribute to ensuring responses to urgent needs and a Forum achieve the 17 Sustainable Development that the Dakar Forum is up to the of Hope to achieve the SDGs in 2030, Goals (SDGs) in 2030, particularly challenges of a world that is increasingly including in crisis situations. regarding water access, and especially thirsty! This first Forum in sub-Saharan in Africa, where the population is set to Africa must represent populations at double in the next 30 years. risk in fragile or crisis-stricken countries

SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’S RECOMMENDATIONS

N°1 Mobilize all the relevant stakeholders to make the 9th World Water Forum a major event that will contribute to putting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Goal 6 back on the right track. WATER N°2 Organize a summit between the Heads of State of Sahel countries, which are among the worst affected WATER by lack of drinking water and sanitation, to draw up an action plan that will have a rapid and sustainable impact.

N°3 Invite local actors and representatives of the most vulnerable communities in Africa to the World Water Forum, && CRISESCRISES so that they can express their difficulties. N°4 Organize a conference for field operators, with the objective of boosting complementarity between humanitarian action and development.

N°5 Advocate for a strong final political declaration at the World Water Forum, prepared at the intergovernmental Increasing numbers of displaced people, cholera epidemics, impacts level by Senegal and France with as many nations as possible, in order to provide practical responses of climate change, soaring water stress: SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL to urgent needs. assesses the current situation of access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene throughout the world. While inequalities are increasing, Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is still far from being achieved.

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2.6 MILLION PEOPLE KEY DATES DIE EVERY YEAR 2005 2010 2012 2015 2020 DUE TO WATER-RELATED First SOLIDARITÉS The United Nations SOLIDARITÉS On the eve of the In anticipation DISEASES INTERNATIONAL General Assembly INTERNATIONAL 7th World Water of the 9th World Water campaign against recognizes drinking asks the United Nations Forum in South Forum in Dakar in March AND INSALUBRIOUS the fatalities caused water and sanitation to review its baseline Korea, SOLIDARITÉS 2021, SOLIDARITÉS by unsafe water as a Human Right figures and to focus INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL LIVING CONDITIONS and for universal access (Resolution dated its assessments launches its Water calls for mobilization to drinking water. 28 July 2010). on effective access Barometer to to achieve Goal 6 to drinking water mobilize the relevant of the 2030 SDGs worldwide, in the stakeholders, and for universal, equitable ACCESS TO WATER run-up to the 6th World calls for a Water access to water & SANITATION Water Forum and Sanitation goal and sanitation in Marseille. to be included in worldwide, including the Sustainable in crisis situations. 2.2 billion people, Development Goals or 29% of the world population, (2015-2030 SDGs). do not have access to safely managed domestic INEQUALITY drinking water supply services.

4.2 billion people, In sub-Saharan Africa, or 55% of the world population, 135 million people, do not have access to safely managed sanitation services. a figure that has more than doubled since the year 2000, have limited access CLIMATE CHANGE 673 million people, to water and sanitation, and 71% of water or 8.92% of the world population, collection tasks are left to women defecate out in the open. and girls. 99% of all natural hazards HEALTH Source : JMP are water-related. Source : OMS/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) Their frequency and intensity are increasing. for Water Supply and Sanitation 1 woman out of 3 Source : UN WATER 842,000 people die in the world every year from diarrhoea is exposed to diseases, shame, 4 billion people, due to inadequate sanitation. 100 100 100 100 harassment or abuse because or two-thirds of the world population,

90 90 90 90 she does not have a safe place are affected by severe water shortages 297,000 children to go to the toilet. for at least 1 month of the year, 80 80 80 80 under the age of 5 die Source : WaterAid mainly due to drought. every year from diarrhoea, 70 70 70 70 Source : Science Advances because they have consumed unsafe water 60 694% 60 61% 60 60 Only 45% of schools or due to a lack of sanitation services 5% 55% 50 50 50 50 in less-developed countries 500 million people or inadequate hand hygiene.

40 40 40 40 and other low-revenue countries are affected by severe water shortages are equipped with sanitary facilities. all year round. 30 335% 30 36% 30 30 50% of cases of child 34% 9% In 2011 - based on a sample of 49 countries Source : Science Advances undernutrition are due to recurrent 20 20 20 20 diarrhoea and intestinal infections caused 10 1399% 10 154% 10 10 19% 89% Many girls throughout the world Around one-quarter by unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation 0 0 0 0 leave school when they reach puberty of the world population, and lack of hygiene. due to a lack of access to appropriate in 17 countries, is currently experiencing Source : OMS facilities during their periods. acute water stress. 2010 2012 201 2019 Source : UN WATER Source : World Resources Institute

Proportion Proportion Proportion of world of world of world population population population without safe without safe practising access to water access to open defecation sanitation

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ONLY 10 MORE YEARS DISPLACED PERSONS : BY RYAN SCHWEITZER, TO TURN LEAVING WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE OFFICER, UNHCR THE SDG HOPES NO ONE BY GERARD PAYEN, VICE-PRESIDENT OF ASTEE* AND THE FRENCH WATER PARTNERSHIP (FWP) INTO REALITY! BEHIND

A GREAT AMBITION One of the great merits of the 2030 inadequate: while it led the UN to declare In 2015 the UN General Assembly However, the reality is that the majority of discrimination, rights to be realized and AND A GREAT HOPE Agenda is that it is a real action program that the MDG on access to drinking water adopted the resolution that persons of concern do not live in camps protected regardless of one’s status as with, on the one hand, precise, quantified was met in 2012, we now know that by paved the way for 17 Sustainable or settlements managed by UNHCR. a refugee. In fact, it is exactly this status In 2015, the United Nations adopted a very objectives, often expressed in figures, and, that date less than a third of the expected Development Goals including It is estimated that 60% of refugees as a refugee which calls for special ambitious collective program to tackle the on the other hand, statistical indicators progress had been achieved! Goal 6 to Ensure availability and and 80% of IDPs are hosted in villages, consideration under international human major challenges facing humanity. This to measure progress towards these sustainable management of water towns and cities where WASH services rights law. Leaving no one behind requires action program, called the 2030 Agenda, expected results. UNPREDICTABLE and sanitation for all. Since then, are often operated by public or private increased efforts, not only in emergency includes 169 goals to be achieved by POLITICAL INTENTIONS the world has witnessed the highest service providers. Those living “out of response, but more importantly in building 2030. They are grouped into 17 families All of this is good, very good even. But levels of human displacement camp” may face unique challenges to and strengthening WASH “systems”, which called Sustainable Development Goals what kind of a ripple effect does this have? This new knowledge convinced countries on record. accessing WASH services due to social goes beyond the hardware and includes (SDGs). About 20 of the SDG goals Are governments adapting their policies to call for an acceleration of their efforts at discrimination, economic marginalization, financing plans, governance structures, are water-related. They cover all the to turn these statements into reality? Are a UN summit in October 2019. Alas, at the or restrictive legal policies. They may face monitoring and regulatory frameworks, major water issues with the ambition of we making sufficient progress to keep same time, they welcomed the progress challenges related to housing, land, and technical and administrative capacities, tackling them – something totally new pace with these collective ambitions? made on access to drinking water, which property rights which can prevent them environmental resource management, etc. at the international political level. That is a way of refusing to understand the s of 2018, an unprecedented from accessing existing services. They governments acknowledged these issues BETTER situation. We now know that the number AA 70.8 million people have been may lack the right to work or be unable The Global Compact on Refugees and agreed to take them on without half KNOWLEDGE ON of people without access to safe drinking forcibly displaced from their homes as a to access banking or financial services. In envisages that refugee responses are measures raised a lot of hope around the WATER MANAGEMENT water has only decreased from 2.3 to 2.2 result of conflict, persecution, or human addition, it may simply be that the existing designed in a manner that paves the planet. billion in 17 years. Daring to welcome rights violation. In addition, the number WASH infrastructure is inadequate for the way for more sustainable support and In 2015, many of the SDG goals were new. this when the official objective is to reach of refugees living in protracted situations increased population. responses, where possible, integrating France, of course, voted for this program It was necessary to build appropriate zero in 10 years is astounding. Worse, in (25,000 or more refugees from the same responses for refugees into national and then considered the implications statistical indicators and then collect the Sub-Saharan Africa, the number of people nationality, living in exile for 5+ consecutive In 2018, the world’s Least Developed systems while ensuring these systems for the whole country. The result was a required data, which took time. Today, using water that is probably contaminated years) has increased to 15.9 million with Countries hosted 33% of all refugees. are adequately supported. UNHCR is national strategy for SDGs, which was not all the planned indicators are yet has increased by 45% between 2000 the average duration of a protracted In these countries, it is often the case calling on its partners to ensure refugees adopted in September 2019, called operational, but progress in knowledge and 2017! Where is the progress that situation increasing to almost 20 years. that vulnerable populations do not have and IDPs are: 1) included in national France’s Roadmap for the 2030 Agenda. worldwide is evident. Although not all the governments boast of? If public services Away from home, refugees and internally access to safe and affordable water and development and financing plans; This Roadmap clearly states that France national values of the new indicators are are not developing faster than the displaced people (IDPs) are among the sanitation services according to SDG 2) participate and are consulted through acknowledges the 169 global targets and yet available, for many of them global population, the result might rather be a most vulnerable and disadvantaged standards. Considering all refugees these processes; 3) included in data wants to do everything in its power to estimates could already be made for the worsening of the situation. groups, often faced with barriers to (i.e. those in and outside of camps collection activities, monitoring, and achieve them. Moreover, water is of great reference year 2015 and even, for some of access basic water supply and sanitation and settlements) UNHCR estimates reporting (e.g. SDGs). importance since 2 of these 19 “ambitions” them, for more recent years. Nevertheless, Governments have yet to adapt many of services. that only 35% and 17% have access to – precise, quantified targets – relate to there is still a lot of statistical work to their public policies to turn the great SDG safely managed water and sanitation water. be done, since, for example, it is still not hopes into reality. The United Nations High Commissioner respectively2. When considering the 1 http://wash.unhcr.org/wash-dashboard- for-refugee-settings/ possible to estimate the global proportion for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners overall global progress on SDG 6.1 2 Based on settings where water and sanitation The aim is to achieve universal access of urban wastewater that is being treated work to support Water, Sanitation (71% safely managed) and 6.2 (45% safely services are provided with UNHCR assistance and data is available to “safely managed” drinking water and because too few countries possess the * Association scientifique et technique and Hygiene (WASH) services in over managed) it is clear that refugees are at pour l’eau et l’environnement sanitation services throughout France necessary data. For access to drinking 175 camps and settlements globally. risk of being left behind. by 2030, particularly in the overseas water, major progress has been made Data is collected on a monthly basis for for more information territories. In addition, the SDG National in knowledge, because 2015 statistics 151 specific sites1, and according to the In our quest to leave no one behind, we on refugee wash responses Road Map reaffirms France’s intent to have finally started to take into account most recent data, SPHERE standards are should recall that the Human Rights and unchr’s new way of working achieve good quantitative and qualitative whether water is safe to consume or being achieved in 70% and 95% of sites to Water and Sanitation are rights under the global compact status of its water resources in accordance contaminated. The former water access for water and sanitation respectively. of everyone, rights entitled without for refugees, visit: wash.unhcr.org with the European Water Framework indicator used for the Millennium Directive. Development Goals (MDGs) was totally

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EIGHT THINGS YOU NEED A TALE BY TO KNOW ABOUT UNICEF OF TWO THE SANITATION CHILDREN BY UN WATER CRISIS BORN INTO AN EXTREMELY FRAGILE CONTEXT

A toilet is not just a toilet. It’s a life-saver, dignity-protector and opportunity- GREATER maker. Whoever you are, wherever you are, sanitation is your human right. POVERTY And yet, billions of people are being left behind. Ask yourself: how could 9% anyone lift themselves out of poverty without sanitation? How can the world 33 of countries demonstrate wasting achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while so many of our fellow Vulnerable people bear under-five 1% deaths per prevalence rates citizens live without something so essential to their health? the brunt: The people who live 93% of countries above 5 in 3 1,000 live births of countries are demonstrate stunting 3 children under 5 In anticipation of the World Water Forum in 2021, here are eight things you without safely managed cholera-endemic prevalence rates need to know about the sanitation crisis sanitation tend to face multiple forms 89% above 10 43% of under-five of discrimination based on factors such as in children of children deaths are caused under 5 gender, race, religion, caste and economic are out of school by diarrhoea status. These groups can be left behind as they try to access and manage The sanitation crisis is still Lack of sanitation is a major sanitation services or improve their 1 massive: 4.2 billion people, 2 killer: Inadequate sanitation is current facilities. For example, women’s 6% 5% 19% 1 2 have basic have basic practise more than half the global population, estimated to cause 432,000 deaths due to sanitation needs are often not considered, sanitation access drinking water access open defecation still live without safely managed sanitation diarrhoea every year and is a major factor particularly with regard to menstrual – that is, without hygienic, private toilets in diseases such as intestinal worms, hygiene management where taboos that safely dispose of faecal sludge. trachoma and schistosomiasis. deter women from voicing their needs C The dashed arrows in the figure And 673 million people still practice and prohibit their active involvement in Gender-based violence WASH IN HOUSEHOLDS show the contribution of WASH – depending on the presence/absence and uality 1 open defecation . decision-making and planning processes. Gender of services – on a child’s path towards Disability Women and girls are also at risk of ill health and poverty or greater health outh and wealth physical, mental and sexual violence Sanitation is a human right: when they travel long distances to fetch 5 The human right to sanitation water, visit public toilet blocks or go out 5 2 BORN INTO A NON-FRAGILE CONTEXT Children are some of the worst entitles everyone to have at night for open defecation . 44 affected: 297,000 children “physical and affordable access to under five are estimated sanitation, in all spheres of life, that is safe, GREATER to die each year from diarrhoea as a result hygienic, secure, and socially and culturally WEALTH of unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and acceptable and that provides privacy and % hand hygiene. ensures dignity”. International human We must leave no one 1 of countries rights law obliges states to work towards 8 behind: Sanitation services under-five 61% demonstrate wasting 8 prevalence rates achieving universal access to water and must meet the needs of marginalized deaths per of countries 1,000 live births 33% above 5 in sanitation for all, without discrimination, groups and their voices must be heard of countries are demonstrate stunting children under 5 while prioritizing those most in need. in decision-making processes. Regulatory cholera-endemic prevalence rates 1% above 10 The sanitation crisis threatens and legal frameworks must recognise 1% of under-five in children us all: Ensuring sanitation the right to sanitation for all people, of children deaths are caused under 5 6 are out of school by diarrhoea for6 those left behind is not only an and funding must be dramatically imperative for their health but also increased and effectively targeted for the community’s as a whole. The world is off-track: at those who need it most. The health benefits of sanitation are only 77 We are at serious risk 81% 95% % fully realized when everyone has safely of missing Sustainable have basic have basic practise managed sanitation. Development Goal 6: to ensure water sanitation access drinking water access open defecation and sanitation for all by 2030. Funding 1 WHO/UNICEF (2019) : Progress on household is falling short, demand is rising, water drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2017. pollution is worsening and existing Special focus on inequalities 2 UN WATER (2015) : Eliminating discrimination WASH IN HOUSEHOLDS governance structures are often weak and and inequalities in access to water and sanitation fragmented. Source United Nations Cildrens Fund, Water Under Fire Volume 1 Emergencies, all un water reports development and peace in fragile and are available on unwater.org conflict-affected contexts, UNICEF, New York, 2019.

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CHOLERA, DRC FACES MAJOR OUTBREAKS THE BIGGEST BY GTFCC AROUND THE WORLD CHOLERA EPIDEMIC BY SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT IN DRC IN ITS HISTORY

Since the introduction of Vibrio cholerae in 1974, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) MAJOR CHOLERA OUTBREAKS 1-18 has suffered recurrent epidemics every year. The country is currently experiencing the largest cholera outbreak in its history since 1994, when more than 50,000 people were affected in Rwandan refugee camps in Goma.

Ethiopia rom 2013 to 2017, DRC alone However, the average number of reported More sustainable interventions, of the 4868 cases recorded approximately 151,000 cases has remained around 500 cases per “shield” type, would now be necessary 134 deaths FF cholera cases and 3,034 fatalities (38% week over the past three years, which is to curb contamination and reduce of all cases and deaths reported by the still well above the epidemic threshold. the number of declared cases. This Soudan Yemen entire African continent), with a mortality could be achieved through long-term 36811 cases 198 cases 83 deaths 5 deaths rate of 1.9%. ENDEMIC improvements to water and sanitation AND EPIDEMIC AREAS infrastructure, together with more Nigeria In 2016, a sharp increase in the OF CHOLERA IN DRC effective awareness-raising among the 9 cases Somalia number of cases was observed, a populations concerned. 9 deaths 6154 cases Haiti 89 deaths trend corresponding to the outbreak Because of their proximity to lake areas, 818 cases in some western provinces of the the eastern regions of the country (North This is especially true in certain rural Dem Rep of Congo 956 deaths country including Tshopo, Equateur, Kivu, South Kivu, Tanganyika, Haut provinces where the mortality rate is 6389 cases 1384 deaths South Sudan Mongala, North-Ubangi, Maï-Ndombe, Katanga, Haut Lomani) appear to be much higher, including Kasai Oriental 1439 cases 461 deaths Kinshasa and Kongo Central. That year, particularly endemic for Vibrio cholerae, (5.6%), Haut Lomani (2.7%) and Tanganyika Angola these provinces witnessed the largest mainly due to population pressure in (1.5%), which do not receive the same 13 cases epidemics recorded in the last five years. lakeside settlements. attention in terms of funding for cholera 14 deaths Uganda control interventions, both at the 18 cases The subsequent outbreak recorded in In fact, in 2019, these five provinces institutional level and regarding the 44 deaths Zambia 2017 seems to have been a continuation account for: presence of international actors. 548 cases 96 deaths of the 2016 epidemic that had not been • South Kivu: 26.3% of all reported Malai completely contained, which then cases and 8.2% of all fatalities Furthermore, while nearly 88% of all cases 94 cases continued into 2018. During 2018, 22 of • North Kivu: 21.5% of all reported and 55% of all deaths have been reported Zimbabe 3 deaths 13 cases DRC’s 26 provinces reported cholera cases and 9.7% of all fatalities in endemic areas (mainly in the East), deaths cases. According to the World Health • Tanganyika: 14.6% of all reported certain health districts in the western and

Source lobal Task Force Organization’s (WHO) weekly situation cases and 13% of all fatalities central provinces of the country are also on Colera Control (TFCC) reports, 30,678 suspected cases and 972 • Haut Katanga: 14.3% of all reported affected (notably the Kasai region, Kongo- deaths (a mortality rate of 3.16%) were cases and 20.4% of all fatalities Central and Equateur). recorded over the 12-month period. • Haut Lomani: 11.3% of all reported cases and 18% of all fatalities For the year 2019, a total of 30,304 ince the 19th century, cholera repeatedly spread Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of suspected cases and 514 deaths (a While the provinces of North and South SS throughout the world from its original reservoir in the food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. mortality rate of 1.7%) were recorded in 23 Kivu alone account for 47.8% of all cholera Ganges delta in India. The current (seventh) pandemic started in It remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of the country’s 26 provinces. Compared cases recorded in the DRC in 2019, the South Asia in 1961, and reached Africa, especially the Great Lakes of inequity and lack of social development. Cholera spreads to the same period in 2018, a decrease of average mortality rate in these areas region, in 1971 and the Americas in 1991. Cholera is now endemic through oral transmission, due to lack of hygiene and insufficient 1.5% in the number of cases and 47% in was lower (0.64%). This confirms, among in many countries. knowledge about the disease. the number of deaths can be observed other things, the combined impact of in 2019. This encouraging decrease in the the response interventions in these There are an estimated 1.3 to 4 million cholera cases worldwide the full version of the global roadmap summary, mortality rate must now be sustained, provinces and of building the capacity of every year and between 21,000 and 143,000 deaths from the by the global task force on cholera control or the trend will be reversed if efforts to health structures to detect and manage disease. (gtfcc), is available on the who website: control the disease are not maintained. suspected cases. who.int/cholera/publications/global-roadmap-summary.pdf for more information: gtfcc.org

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PASTORAL CONDITIONS IN THE SAHEL AUGUST 2019 PASTORAL CONDITIONS IN THE SAHEL AUGUST 2019 BY JULIE MAYANS, High concentration of livestock Massive inﬂux due to lack of pasture THE SAHEL, FOOD SECURITY AND LIVELIHOODS ADVISOR Severe shortage of pasture Early departure due to lack of pasture State of insecurity Return migration with the start of the agricultural season TORN BETWEEN DROUGHTS AND FLOODS

From Mauritania to Chad, the vicious The depletion of natural resources in Moreover, since the surface water table ALGERIA ALGERIA circle of droughts and floods has the region has become a source of is drying up, traditional open-well water serious consequences on the conflict between farmers and herders, supply systems are no longer viable in the populations who mainly make their especially since climate change has region. However, the technical capacities Mauritania living from agriculture and livestock. altered the routes and periods of livestock and financial means of the Sahelian Mali The scarcity of water resources transhumance, which now often cross countries to carry out deep drilling are Niger threatens livelihoods. cultivated land during the agricultural severely limited. As a result, NGOs such season. The economic impact is obvious as SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL have for agro-pastoral populations whose to dig deeper and deeper to find water. crops or livestock are affected. But the For example, a hydrogeological survey n the Sahel, droughts are rest of the population, which relies on in the city of Ouahigouya in Burkina Faso, II becoming more and more intense. local products to eat, is also impacted by carried out by Coopération Chambéry Temperatures are rising 1.5 times faster price inflation and the scarcity of these Ouahigouya and Ouagadougou University than in the rest of the world. But climate products on the markets. in 2017, showed that overexploitation of Senegal change is also causing heavy rains (violent deep water resources in this area by over thunderstorms, above-normal rainfall). The Sahelian population is trapped in 200 boreholes had led to severe depletion Burkina Faso Burkina Faso However, the land is too dry to absorb a vicious circle: this negative economic of the water table, its level having fallen by GUINEA BENIN the rising waters. Destruction caused by impact is further compounded by natural up to 22 metres in less than 20 years. GHANA BENIN GHANA overflowing rivers and numerous floods disasters such as floods, which damage NIGERIA were thus observed in Mali and Niger the infrastructures that enable both According to the Permanent Interstate IVORY COAST IVORY COAST in 2019. production and trade: roads, bridges, Committee for Drought Control in the Source : Action against Hunger, Billital Maroobé Network dams, buildings, irrigation networks, etc. Sahel (CILSS), climate change threatens In the Sahel more than elsewhere, these the integrity of ecosystems that are already natural disasters are damaging natural The current context, in addition to weakened by a rapidly growing population, resources, which are essential to the prevailing uncertainty in rural areas where which will further exacerbate competition agro-pastoral livelihoods that underpin climate change is slowly degrading the over natural resources and lead to the economy in much of the area. Two land, has been pushing many people to population movements and conflicts in the out of three people in Sahelian countries migrate to urban centres. The latter are region. Today in the Sahel, the challenges THE SAHEL make their living from agriculture and considered to be safe, less dependent on for SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s water livestock. Under the combined effect of the natural resources-based economy access programs are: drought and floods, land is deteriorating and therefore less affected by natural • to respond to the urgent need IN THE MIDST and losing its fertility. Insufficient rain- phenomena. As urban areas become for drinking water access fed irrigation means that crops fail or are more densely populated, this is likely and thus assist the greatest number destroyed, while livestock struggle to find to lead to overexploitation of natural of vulnerable populations faced OF CLIMATE water for drinking and sufficient pasture. resources and water supply networks. with scarce resources; The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate According to UN projections, the • to promote a multi-use water Change (IPCC) predicts that agricultural population of the six French-speaking response (water for people, water CHANGE yields will fall by 20% per decade in some Sahel countries will increase six-fold by for agriculture and water areas of the Sahel by the end of the 2100, to 540 million. for livestock); 21st century. • to support local authorities Rainfall deficits and severe droughts, but also heavy rains and devastating floods: and communities to improve water the Sahelian region is experiencing the full impact of climate change and its dramatic management and governance consequences on people’s livelihoods. The scarcity of natural resources is leading in the Sahel. to conflict and migration.

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In Mali, in 2019, more than 78,000 people were Chad is facing an overlap of interconnected crises. affected by heavy rains. The village of N’Golobougou Against a backdrop of chronic poverty and low in the Markala circle (Segou region), for example, was development (187th out of 189 countries according to the completely washed away and its inhabitants had to be Human Development Index), the country is considered relocated. Another episode took place in Kidal, precisely one of the most vulnerable to climate change in the in Aguelhok, in August 2019: runoff water washed away world1. High variations in rainfall cause increasingly the water tower of the Improved Village Hydraulic System violent cycles of drought and floods. For example, set up by SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL. At the same 30 million people depend on Lake Chad for their survival, time, Mali suffers from recurrent droughts leading to low even though the lake is now ten times smaller than in groundwater recharge and water points drying up. The 1963. 78% of the urban population has access to drinking phenomenon can be observed during the rehabilitation water, in comparison to just 32% in rural areas2. Changes of wells, which requires drilling to an increasing depth, whereas according to the local populations, in transhumance routes as a result of climate change, the disruption of agricultural and pastoral in the past these wells were inexhaustible. The fact that surface water dries up earlier, in combination calendars and the early onset of critical lean periods for both humans and animals, combined with with socio-political and ecological factors, reduces the mobility of nomadic pastoralists. This puts great exacerbated pressure on natural resources, may together trigger more frequent agro-pastoral tensions. pressure on perennial water sources and fodder resources, which may trigger conflicts between groups In addition, inadequate water and sanitation systems and the increased risk of flooding are a breeding struggling to maintain their livelihoods (drinking water, livestock rearing, agriculture). As a result, some ground for water-borne diseases. In 2019, a cholera epidemic broke out in the south-western part of the communities have been forced to settle in urbanized areas and live in a sedentary manner, drastically country3. All of these factors have an impact on the country’s already fragile nutritional situation. changing their way of life. Consequently, when a permanent water point is easily usable and accessible, 1 Climate Change Vulnerability Index 2016 only the men migrate with their animals and the rest of the family settles around the water point, 2 Report JMP, OMS/UNICEF, 2017 3 National Technical Committee for the Fight Against Epidemics (French Acronym: CNTLE). seeking to diversify their economic activities. These upheavals in the traditional organization of herders Week 41 (60 reported cases including 4 fatalities) and farmers and in the exploitation of resources require us to rethink our approaches to humanitarian intervention in the country. BURKINA FASO BY XAVIER LAUTH, EMERGENCY TEAM MANAGER AT SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL

Burkina Faso has gradually become the scene of a major security and humanitarian crisis. In July 2018, at the time of SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s first exploratory CLIMATE IMPACT ON WATER AND SANITATION SERVICES BY PS-EAU mission, there were 22,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in the country. As of the beginning of 2020, almost Deteriorations in service quality or service interruptions caused by climate-related hazards and reductions in the quantity 500,000 IDPs have already been registered. and quality of water resources can have serious health and social impacts. The risks are often greatest for the most vulnerable. Women, children, the elderly and disabled, the poor, people living in crisis situations, refugees… are the most exposed. This massive population movement can be explained • Increase in diarrhoeal diseases when there is a deterioration in service quality and people use alternative, poorer quality by conflicts between radical armed groups and national water resources during service interruptions; and international security forces, which are rooted in a context of extreme poverty, intra-community • Increase in conflicts of use during periods of water scarcity; tensions and competition for scarce natural resources caused by climate hazards and desertification. • Greater migration or people leaving because they have no access to water, creating political, social and environmental issues; Access to water resources, pasture for herders and fertile land for farmers makes the issue of climate • More difficulty involved in the chore of drawing water because people have to travel greater distances and pumping takes change central – and a source of social tension within the country. longer as the water table is lower and less productive. The various direct impacts on the water service and their effects on people’s health and well-being have economic repercussions. The challenge for humanitarian actors is therefore to deliver rapid assistance in response to the Additional costs incurred due to the impacts of climate change (replacing damaged equipment, maintenance, etc.) can jeopardize consequences of these conflicts by providing people with food, water and shelter. But it is also the viability of the water service. Furthermore, the lack or reduction of water services also has an impact on people’s livelihoods. essential to understand the environment in which humanitarian action takes place and to provide solutions that enable people to safeguard their natural resources, to meet their future needs and to to find out more, read the guide published in 2018 by ps-eau: wash services and climate change, impacts and responses better protect themselves against the harmful effects of climate shocks, which themselves generate pseau.org/outils/ouvrages/ps_eau_wash_services_climate_change_impacts_and_responses_2018.pdf human conflict.

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BY ERIK ORSENNA, PRESIDENT CLIMATE CHANGE: OF INITIATIVES FOR THE FUTURE OF GREAT RIVERS (IFGR) WATER BY ALICIA PIVETEAU, MUST REMAIN SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL WATER A SOURCE OF LIFE AND HUMAN SECURITY IN WEST AT RISK AND HAMED SÉMÉGA, HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE SENEGAL AFRICA RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (OMVS), MEMBER OF IFGR

Climate change is threatening the planet’s water reserves, a resource that is vital to the proper functioning of our societies. In this century, which is characterized by demographic explosion and urbanization Threatened by climate change Climate change and demographic rivers in Asia on which more than 1.5 – two phenomena that are themselves conducive to an increase in the world’s water needs – and demographic pressure, pressure: freshwater resources are billion people depend, or the Fouta water has never been such a critical issue. major rivers have become a becoming a strategic issue, and Djalon massif, the water tower of West strategic issue. Although they are potentially a factor of tension and Africa, which feeds a network of fifteen factors of tension and migration, migration. But we want to believe that rivers in eight countries. It is becoming they should nevertheless bring they can also bring cooperation and more and more fragile due to extreme ur water security is at risk and the figures speak for Human activities are also a vector of water pollution: nitrates, cooperation and peace. peace. weather events and human activities. O themselves: 80% of the population is affected by phytotoxic algae, pathogens, various chemical products Protecting it is one of the priorities O 2 some sort of water insecurity, while a rise in temperatures of and micro-plastics are found in 80% of freshwater sources . What are the main conditions? Here are enshrined in the Bamako Declaration between 2.2 and 5.1 degrees is predicted1. This global warming In addition, the current increase in water temperature four which seem to us to be of prime signed by OMVS member countries last induces, on the one hand, the disruption of the water cycle: may stimulate the proliferation of this pollution. While the s early as the 1970s, West Africa importance: December. water evaporation is accelerating and consequently the quantity consequences of climate change accentuate global inequalities AA was hit hard by the effects of 1. Knowledge, in order to be able to 4. Involving local populations with available in its liquid state is decreasing. On the other hand, and imbalances, the decline in water quality is a phenomenon climate change. Water is an important alert and take action: this knowledge managers and experts to make the meteorological models are being pushed to their limits: rainfall is that knows no boundaries. marker of these changes: contrasting comes from data, participatory science, river a link between populations: if increasing in high latitudes while mid-latitudes are experiencing rainfall patterns, between drought forecasting services, to know the the issues at stake are not accepted and a decrease in precipitation. Ultimately, and according to the conclusions of the 2014 IPCC and flooding; rising sea levels; coastal availability of water resources and taken on board by all users, the river report, climate change is a threat to our own security. Climate erosion (the coastline is retreating by their variability in time and space. is at risk, and the services it provides Inevitably, these climate alterations impact our food security. displacement, in search of arable land and water or due to an average of six metres per year along This knowledge also results from the for the economic development and According to figures from the United Nations Development natural disasters, affected 18 million people in 2018. the entire coast!); salinization of water exchange of expertise and practices, in ecological balance of the surrounding Program (UNDP), 600 million people will face food insecurity due and soil, etc. In Saint-Louis, a city at the particular between rivers worldwide, as area will undoubtedly be jeopardized. to climate change by 2080. This is in addition to the 821 million By 2050, this figure will reach the level of 140 million people, mouth of the Senegal River and a city proposed by Initiatives for the Future of How can wetlands be developed people already affected by climate change. Already, a large according to the World Bank. These population movements of transition between the Saharan and Great Rivers (IFGR). while securing access to resources for proportion of freshwater resources (70% to 90% depending on combined with the increasing scarcity of water are likely to Sahelian climates, there is already an 2. Inclusive governance at basin livestock herders? How can we promote the country) are devoted to agricultural activities. These needs rekindle tensions and conflicts. There is no doubt that all facets emergency, which was compounded level, in a coordinated manner, more water-efficient agricultural will increase to provide for the growing production of biofuels. of human security (water, food, health, energy) are affected in 2003 by a breach in the Barbary to maintain the various uses of practices and limit activities that are However, whether crops are rain-fed or irrigated, they are by the alterations that water is undergoing. In the face of peninsula. This breach was necessary at water and distribute it equitably destructive to soil and water without struggling to adapt to the variability of rainfall caused by climate these threats, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL works to help the time to reduce water pressure and between countries. The Senegal offering alternatives for populations change. populations that are at risk due to crises, and at the same time protect people from major river floods, River Development Organization struggling for survival? calls on all responsible stakeholders to join forces and deliver but it has since been widening because (OMVS) has provided, in this respect, The lack of water in liquid form is compensated by an excess a response that is proportional to these risks and that leaves no no additional measures were taken. an irreplaceable framework for cross- Dakar is getting ready to host the first of water vapour. This phenomenon is not insignificant since it one behind. This now poses a permanent threat to border cooperation. By considering the World Water Forum in sub-Saharan Africa explains, among other things, the intensification of extreme agricultural and fishing activities, housing, river and its tributaries as international – a Forum focused on water security for weather events. While droughts and floods are not new, their water supplies, etc. Lake Chad is another property and by collectively managing peace and development and results. increasingly unpredictable and devastating nature is one of the emblematic regional example. In less than its installations, OMVS has made water For five years now, IFGR, drawing on the manifestations of climate change. forty years, it has shrunk to a tenth of its a source of rapprochement, integration wide-ranging skills of its multidisciplinary previous surface area. This has resulted and cooperation. In the future, it must international experts, has been raising These disruptions increase the vulnerability of populations and in population displacement, loss of continue to protect this resource, in awareness about the threats to rivers, leave them powerless in the face of health and food risks. When biodiversity and tensions, given that half of particular against pollution, and to suggesting solutions and supporting sanitation systems are destroyed or inadequate, this increases Africa’s population is entirely dependent ensure its sustainability. local players in their projects. IFGR will the risk of waterborne diseases spreading. In this respect, on biodiversity and natural resources. 3. Protecting and restoring source be present in March 2021 to share its ensuring completely safe, universal access to sanitation is a In Nigeria, 1,500 deaths per year are headwaters: everything begins in experiences so that, from the Senegal 1 5th assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel major challenge for the future: 80% of the world’s wastewater is on Climate Change (IPCC), 2014. attributable to water-related conflicts. those places where water gushes forth, River Basin to other rivers all over the currently discharged into the environment without treatment. 2 Quality Unknown: The Invisible Water Crisis, World Bank, 2019. whether they are on the glaciers of world, the future of great rivers remains in the Himalayas, the source of ten major our hands.

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Senegal wants the 9th World Water Dakar will be the global water capital Forum to be different, even radically in March 2021. In your opinion, different from previous forums. what does this mean for Senegal Why is this the case and what are and for Africa in general? your expectations? ABDOULAYE SENE Dakar will host the ABDOULAYE SENE Yes indeed, Senegal 9th World Water Forum on behalf of both wants the 9th World Water Forum to be Senegal and Africa. It will be the first different from previous forums both in time that this major global water event is terms of its content and organization. hosted by a sub-Saharan African country. We want the next Forum to This Forum is therefore an important WE WANT THE NEXT be historic for the results landmark both for Senegal and for FORUM TO BE HISTORIC it achieves, and to provide Africa, where water issues are obviously practical responses to the much more urgent than elsewhere. For FOR THE RESULTS issues affecting populations. Senegal in particular, this means that the IT ACHIEVES. We have also launched the country’s water diplomacy has come to Dakar 2021 Initiative to add a Senegalese fruition. It is important to emphasize that and African touch to the 9th Forum. The our country made its mark early on by Forum must transcend political and taking a regional – or even continental – diplomatic matters and lead to tangible leadership role on water issues. Moreover, results and commitments to meet the this Forum is both an opportunity and a urgent challenge posed by water and challenge both in terms of organizing such sanitation issues both in Africa and a large event and the many expectations worldwide. that surround it.

You declared that the 9th World The Dakar Forum has defined Water Forum must “build a forum four main priorities that are effectively of responses”. What do you mean summed up by its title: “Water Security by this? for Peace and Development”. Why link water and peace together? PATRICK LAVARDE The initial World Water Forums contributed to defining, PATRICK LAVARDE Water security is a publicizing and sharing the major issues key issue for the future of the African at stake in the water sector. Subsequent continent, and also a major challenge for Forums rallied support for tangible the whole world. Water-related tensions progress like the Human are on the increase, fuelled by growing th NOW, THE TIME Right to Water and the need demographic pressure, ever-increasing 9 WORLD WATER HAS COME TO FOCUS for a specific Sustainable urbanization and the threat of climate INTERVIEW BY ALAIN BOINET, ON PROVIDING Development Goal relating change in areas where water is already FOUNDER OF SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL FORUM to water. The Forums scarce. If we do not ensure water security, AND IMPLEMENTING emphasized the political this will endanger development, food, “DAKAR 2021” PRACTICAL RESPONSES implications of water-related health and education. As a result, water is TO THE CHALLENGES issues and enabled solutions a major instrument for peace in all areas LIVING UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF WATER to be identified to meet where the security of local communities MANAGEMENT. these challenges. Now, the depends on it. To avoid conflict between OF THOSE WHO THIRST time has come to focus on water users, and between countries FOR DRINKING WATER, providing and implementing practical that share the same water resources, responses to the challenges of water appropriate solutions must be found. AN OPPORTUNITY AND A CHALLENGE management, in order to achieve the water-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and thus meet In the run-up to the 9th World Water Forum, Alain Boinet, Founder of SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, the expectations of the most vulnerable obtained an exclusive interview with the co-chairs of the preparatory committee for this major event: populations. Abdoulaye Sene, representing Senegal, and Patrick Lavarde, Honorary Governor of the World Water Council. They explain why the Dakar Forum must take a radically different approach and provide responses to drinking water and sanitation needs.

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How do you see the connection As co-chair of the international between the 9th World Water Forum steering committee, you are seeking and Goal 6 of the 2030 SDGs, when strategic partners for the Forum. UN Water emphasized last year How are you proceeding and what that we were not on track to achieve do you expect from them? the planned goals? PATRICK LAVARDE Strategic partners ABDOULAYE SENE The Forum does provide specific support in the indeed want to act as a catalyst for SDG 6. organization of the Forum by means It is an opportunity to mobilize funds and of an agreement with the organizers. renew commitments to achieve SDG 6. This support can relate to the whole If we do not resolve these issues of the Forum, to one of the priorities or THE FORUM DOES so that we can meet SDG 6, we to one of the actions, according to the WANT TO ACT AS will not achieve any of the SDGs. interests and capabilities of the partner. This is because all the SDGs are According to the situation, strategic A CATALYST FOR connected to SDG 6 in one way partners take part in the supervisory SDG 6. IT IS AN or another. It is quite true that we groups or action groups. The support they OPPORTUNITY TO are not yet on the right track, but provide can take various forms: financial, MOBILIZE FUNDS the commitments and results that intellectual or logistical support. Some AND RENEW are expected from the Forum can of these partnerships have already been COMMITMENTS. enable us to reverse this trend established and many others are being and speed up achieving the SDG finalized, at the initiative of the Forum’s targets by 2030, especially SDG 6. Looking executive secretary. beyond SDG 6, the Dakar Forum will also How do water, sanitation TO INVOLVE AS MANY address water issues in Africa and in What is the Dakar 2021 initiative and water-use issues currently affect STAKEHOLDERS AS particular the continent’s 2063 Agenda. and which tangible results Western and Central Africa? POSSIBLE, EACH do you expect from it?

ADOULAYE SENE Water and sanitation ACTION GROUP ABDOULAYE SENE The Dakar 2021 are very acute issues in Western and WILL BE SUPPORTED Initiative is the major innovation Central Africa. They are major concerns BY AN EXTENDED of the 9th World Water Forum. Through in these two regions of the continent, CONSULTATION this program, Senegal wants to add where the population mainly depends GROUP COMPRISING a special touch to the event. The Dakar on agriculture and livestock rearing for ACTORS THAT HAVE 2021 Initiative was officially launched on survival. Populations in Western and VOLUNTEERED. 16 January 2020 in Dakar. This operation Central Africa are finding will generate commitments and actions WATER-RELATED it more and more difficult The Forum is an international event to accelerate progress, especially towards ISSUES HAVE NOW to meet their water and that is organized a long time achieving the SDGs. Among other things, sanitation needs. This leads in advance. How are these preparations the initiative aims to accredit community BECOME A CAUSE to public health problems structured and carried out? projects that seek to provide access OF INSTABILITY and to certain water crises in to drinking water and decent sanitation. FOR COMMUNITIES. these regions, not to mention PATRICK LAVARDE The Forum is jointly These accredited projects aim to achieve recurring disputes between organized by Senegal and the World tangible results that will be presented farmers and herders. This means that Water Council, who have formed an during the Forum in 2021. water-related issues have now become international steering committee (ISC). a cause of instability for communities. Each of the four priorities is coordinated The combined effects of an ever-growing by a supervisory group of institutions with population and climate change are a appropriate expertise and co-chaired by partial explanation for the difficulties and one Senegalese and one international challenges faced by Western and Central member of the ISC. The topics to be Africa in terms of water and sanitation. discussed within each of these priorities – which are connected to the water- related targets of the SDGs – are prepared by action groups comprising specialist organizations. To involve as many stakeholders as possible, each action follow all the news group will be supported by an extended on the 9th world water forum on: consultation group comprising actors worldwaterforum.org that have volunteered in response to an international call for participants.

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BY ALEXANDRE GIRAUD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL WATER SHOULD BE CENTRAL!

In the context of new, systematically lead to the emergence and liquid, fluid nature. It can be neither the multifaceted crises, access continuation of current crises. starting point to analyse a problem, nor its to water and sanitation is fraught conclusion. It is nevertheless everywhere, with obstacles. One of these Responding to these crises, which are binding everything together. Water flows, is the intrinsic nature of water: invariably protracted and fuelled by circulates and is found at countless points, it is liquid, fluid, and therefore numerous, interdependent factors, means right at the heart of the systemic fragilities present at many stages, that we must look beyond traditional observed during crises. but it is never central. analytical frameworks, break down the barriers between the specialist Water is never considered central fields of various actors, and review the because it is continuously present at many characteristics of funding to make it more stages. It is therefore fundamental not to rises that we now call chronic sustainable and flexible, with greater compartmentalize it but to ensure that it is CC or complex are characterized emphasis on integrated approaches. systematically included in the analysis of by a conjunction of multiple factors, When we assess needs and design every context and the definition of every both new and old, which combine in an responses, we must erase the divisions response. increasingly unusual way. One recurring between humanitarian/development, factor is the impact of climate change. public/private, research/advocacy/action, Now, after we have fought so hard It is causing population displacements, North/South, and take a holistic view for water to have its own Sustainable initiating economic crises and intensifying that will enable us to transcend worn-out Development Goal (SDG), it is vital that tensions due to resource monopolization. analytical formats. water is taken into account within all SDGs In addition, there are also issues if we are to achieve each and every one linked to global population growth, Similarly, water and sanitation cannot of them. the instrumentalization of community be considered as isolated disciplines at tensions, increasing economic and social a time when their access is affected by inequalities, the diminishing influence multiple causes (environmental, political, of multipolar regulatory mechanisms, economic, etc.) and their effects are and greater access to information observed in various fields (public health, (and the consequent questioning of its economic development, political stability, reliability). These multiple issues almost etc.). In a way, water suffers from its CHALLENGESCHALLENGES AHEADAHEAD SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’S RECOMMENDATIONS N°6 Look beyond traditional analytical frameworks, break down the barriers between the specialist fields of various actors, and review the characteristics of funding to make it more sustainable and flexible, with greater emphasis on integrated approaches.

Increasingly complex and long-lasting crises, proliferation of risks, N°7 Ensure that water and sanitation are systematically included in all assessments and in the preparation methodological problems, lack of funding... Water, Sanitation and Hygiene of every response. actors still have many obstacles to overcome in order to improve their response capacities in emergency situations and their ability to provide appropriate aid to meet needs.

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EMERGENCY RESPONSE: EMERGENCY RESPONSE: THE CHALLENGES FACED THREE OBSTACLES BY GROUPE URD* BY / GLOBAL WASH CLUSTER BY THE WATER, TO OVERCOME MSF (DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS) SANITATION The emergency response capacity There are not fewer Water, Sanitation and Hygiene actors, AND HYGIENE SECTOR of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) 22but they are less able to intervene in emergencies sector has been under scrutiny for several years, There are many organizations in the humanitarian sector with the and was also closely examined by Médecins capacity to implement Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) activities. Human resources, modus operandi, the emergency response capacity of the world, competition for water resources is Sans Frontières (MSF) in 2017 as part The question is whether this capacity can be utilized in complex strategic vision… At the initiative of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector is intensifying. In addition, due to population of its Emergency Gap Project. One of the case humanitarian emergencies, especially in insecure contexts. The answer the Global WASH Cluster, Groupe limited by several factors. These include growth and rapid urbanization, it has studies presented in this report highlights is no: few organizations are willing or able to respond in the first three URD reviewed the challenges facing security and access, aid logistics and become more and more difficult for the three major obstacles that prevent timely months of an emergency. the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene bureaucracy, insufficient and inflexible Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector to and appropriate responses, particularly The perception of increasing insecurity has had a pernicious effect on the sector in emergency situations. funding, but also significant human provide services in both rural and urban in the early stages of an emergency. number of organizations working in insecure contexts, and has expanded resource problems. areas. Despite its impressive commitment the number of contexts which are perceived as unsafe. Regardless of STRATEGIC at all levels, the sector is not yet ready to the truth of the matter as to how much security has actually worsened CHALLENGE Although consistent efforts have been meet the challenges of the future. for humanitarian organizations, many have lost their ability to manage made to improve coordination and, insecurity and have become risk-averse. Once this capacity has been People can survive a few weeks without ultimately, the quality and coverage of OPERATIONAL The development approach does not always lost, it is difficult for an organization to regain it without structural support food, a few weeks without shelter, several services, sometimes needs are not fully CHALLENGE 11 align with the emergency response approach or sustained investment. years without education; but without water met or aid arrives too late – especially as The development approach involves the sustainability Funding issues also affect the response capacity of the WASH sector. they will only survive a few days. Of all the the WASH sector has had to respond in Operationally speaking, Groupe URD of programs, community participation, resilience, and Humanitarian organizations that are dependent on funding from needs that people affected by a crisis may recent years to several parallel crises, in also highlights the lack of versatility working with local partners. In this approach, the ‘soft’ institutional donors must wait for funds to arrive before commencing have, access to water is therefore a top different parts of the world, which have in the choice of aid delivery methods. side is as important as the logistical and infrastructure operations. Therefore, it is difficult for most organizations to react to the priority. Today, the essential contribution lasted for a relatively long time. And all Each organization develops its method development side. This approach is not to be criticized, initial phases of emergencies. of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene this has been done without sufficient in isolation according to its own policy, as it has many advantages, and community engagement A lack of technical capacity is also a hindrance. Even with the will to (WASH) sector is acknowledged. However, human resources, which has sometimes without acknowledging whether this in the very early stages of an emergency can make a intervene and the necessary funding, if an organization does not have this sector does not yet have sufficient lowered the quality of interventions and method is the most appropriate or asking positive contribution to sanitation programming. However, the technical competency to implement quality programming, then the strategic support. Its contribution to public weighed heavily on staff well-being. if it could be optimally combined with this focus has prompted WASH actors – multi-mandate results will not be to the benefit of the populations. health is fundamental, as underlined by other methods to provide sustainable organizations especially – to gear their activities around a epidemiological data. It is vital for the In addition to the customary issues humanitarian solutions. The rapidly programmatic approach that is not always well suited to functioning of human settlements in crisis of quality and program management changing world means that some emergency interventions. areas, such as refugee camps, sites for in difficult or inaccessible contexts, methods may be less feasible while This situation has lessened the technical and displaced persons, destroyed cities or specific technical problems make the others may become the only realistic logistical capacity within the sector. Fewer experienced remote areas where people are stranded WASH sector’s response even more option depending on the context. In order WASH experts are available to implement and Each organization uses its own lens and cannot escape. WASH also plays a complex: working in urban contexts; to be able to use all of these methods, oversee field activities in emergency situations. Fewer 33 All organizations see WASH activities through their own major role for health institutions and the integrating gender and protection organizations need a much wider range organizations have the ready capacity to take on WASH lenses: in support of nutrition programming; as part of a longer- education sector, and enhances dignity issues (i.e. ensuring that services are of skills and experience than most WASH activities in the emergency phase of a crisis, due to the term and sustainable programming objective; as a variable in balancing and quality of life, especially for women. accessible without discrimination or staff currently have. different approaches taken and the cost and complexity preventive and curative services; as part of a response to a specific Yet too often it remains a secondary endangering populations); anticipating of emergency operations. vulnerable group, such as children; or as a form of protection. MSF, of priority. and preparing for environmental and course, implements WASH activities in support of disease control and technological disasters; and adapting * Urgence Réhabilitation Développement as one type of emergency life-saving programming. The net result of Without safe drinking water, sanitation and to the more prominent role of new aid this situation is that no organization has as its sole focus the provision of hygiene, the situation of people affected delivery methods (cash and vouchers, please visit urd.org emergency WASH programming. There is a diffusion of responsibility by conflicts or disasters can only get subcontracting to private suppliers, for all groupe urd’s conclusions and a mish-mash of actors implementing activities that sometimes worse. However, according to a Groupe etc.). With the increasingly visible effects and recommendations on the capacity overlap. URD report published in June 2019 at of climate change, including extreme of the water, sanitation the initiative of the Global WASH Cluster, weather events and droughts around the and hygiene sector

you can consult msf’s emergency gap project online: arhp.msf.es/emergency-gap-final-report-bridging-emergency-gap the msf case study on the evolution of emergency wash in humanitarian action can be found here: arhp.msf.es/sites/default/files/the-evolution-of-emergency-wash-case-study-vf.pdf

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“WATER IS BOTH THE SOURCE capacity-building for local civil society consolidate peace, which aim to address AND THE VICTIM organizations (CSOs). identified fragilities and build up the resilience of societies and institutions INTERVIEW BY SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL Can you give us an example of one to tackle them. For example, the I Yéké OF CRISES” of these new operating methods Oko project (12 million euros) supports in the Water and Sanitation field? the re-establisment of social bonds and the revival of the rural economy in CÉLINE ROBERT When we work in fragile regions affected by the displacement As a major actor in development Today, humanitarian and development both the “source” and the “victim” of contexts, each of our projects has its own of Central African populations, on both assistance throughout the organizations are faced with increasingly crises. Water and Sanitation services specific characteristics in terms of the sides of the Central African Republic/ world, the Agence Française de complex contexts. How do you are often captured, used or damaged actors involved and the implementation Cameroon border. Minka combines rapid Développement (AFD) is a first- differentiate between “fragilities” by warring parties. It is, however, the methods used. However, we can pinpoint response and structural programs, and hand witness to the increasingly and “crises”? extremely heterogeneous and volatile some similarities, regarding the time- is characterized by its multi-sectoral complex contexts of humanitarian nature of current crises that places major frame for example. Projects generally last approach to each region in crisis: the Fund operations. Charles Tellier, Director CHARLES TELLIER Your question constraints on water-related interventions, more than three years, so that they extend targets four of the current major fragility of the Fragilities, Crises and Conflicts highlights the importance of working in which require a long-term strategy. beyond the time required to address zones: the Sahel, Lake Chad, Central Division and Céline Robert, Head synergy. Fragilities are the determining Multiple responses are therefore an the symptoms of the crisis. In addition, Africa and the Middle East. of the Water and Sanitation Division, factors, the breeding ground for crises. A absolute necessity and this invites us WHEN THE WATER our field partners are often international explain the difficulties that arise in crisis, however, is defined as a situation of to rethink our operational methods by AND SANITATION or non-governmental organizations How do the Fragilities, Crises the field and the approach that AFD sudden, protracted or chronic instability, attempting to improve their adaptability DIVISION HAS TO that have a long history working in the and Conflicts division and the Water has adopted to address them. which is likely to undermine a State, an and flexibility. That’s the main challenge. MANAGE A PROJECT intervention area, which means they have and Sanitation division at AFD institution or a population. To address We must not forget, however, that AFD’s IN A CRISIS AND/ built up strong relationships with local work together concerning programs the risks of exposure to such shocks, the mandate focuses on long-term support OR CONFLICT ZONE, and national actors and have expertise in and funding? Agence Française de Développement for local and national authorities. Our IT CALLS ON THE implementing the “Do no harm” approach. (AFD) is committed to building the operations within fragile contexts must CÉLINE ROBERT When the Water and capacities of societies, regions and therefore form part of a humanitarian- FRAGILITIES, CRISES It is now crucial to take into account Sanitation division has to manage a institutions to prepare for, manage development nexus. In this respect, we AND CONFLICTS various social groups when working project in a crisis and/or conflict zone, and recover from them. The agency are actively working on mobilizing field DIVISION TO in the field. How does this apply it calls on the Fragilities, Crises and is particularly involved in disaster risk organizations with the ability to manage PROVIDE SUPPORT to Water and Sanitation? Conflicts division to provide support in reduction (cyclones, epidemics, etc.) since both the crisis and reconstruction periods. IN UNDERSTANDING understanding both the context and the climate change will exacerbate the impact BOTH THE CONTEXT CÉLINE ROBERT This inclusive approach specific methodology for these zones. of crises. To meet these new challenges, AND THE SPECIFIC has always been important for AFD Concerning funding, our field offices act as TO MAKE A AFD is taking a new approach. METHODOLOGY FOR in every context. This is even more a gateway for our partners. SUSTAINABLE IMPACT What kind of challenges What does this entail? THESE ZONES. essential in volatile environments and IN THESE FRAGILE do these multifaceted crises pose as the number of crises continues to What is AFD’s budget CONTEXTS, AFD for an institutional donor like AFD? CHARLES TELLIER AFD has measured increase. In fragile contexts, we carry out for Water and Sanitation? HAS HAD TO ADAPT up to these challenges by adopting a in-depth field analyses to improve our CHARLES TELLIER As part of its strategy, cross-cutting approach. Through its understanding of the dynamics at play. CÉLINE ROBERT In 2019, AFD awarded ITS APPROACHES, AFD has made two major commitments: French team, and alongside humanitarian For example, we are currently working 1.3 billion euros to the Water and PARTNERSHIPS, to combat the fragilities of States and and research actors, AFD funds programs on a study in Burkina Faso that includes Sanitation sector, representing METHODS AND TOOLS. societies and also to safeguard social to support local actors or civil society the issues of forced displacement and an increase of over 30% in comparison bonds. Since crises may be multi- organizations, with one single goal: to nomadic populations, so as to integrate to the average annual commitments dimensional and interlinked, and may consolidate peace for the benefit of these aspects into the construction of our for the 2014-2018 period. Subsidies become protracted or chronic, this makes populations. By precisely analysing the water supply project right from the start. (donations) reached a historic high them much more difficult to address. context and adapting our operational in 2019, totalling almost 430 million euros To make a sustainable impact in these methods, we can achieve greater To make its action more effective, (280 million euros in funds delegated fragile contexts, AFD has had to adapt its adaptability in the deployment of our AFD has created the Minka Peace by the European Union and 150 million approaches, partnerships, methods and programs and, more importantly, make and Resilience Fund, among others. from the French Government), or 30% tools. sure our action is as relevant as possible. How is this progressing? of funding commitments. Regarding We encourage opinion surveys and fund the Minka fund, 6% of funding is allocated In fragile contexts, do Water research-action projects. Of course, our CHARLES TELLIER The Minka Peace exlusively to Water and Sanitation. and Sanitation present projects comply with the “Do no harm” and Resilience Fund, with an annual It should be noted that, since Minka any specific challenges? approach. We have also developed budget of over 200 million euros, forms projects are by nature multi-sectoral, dedicated financial tools, such as Crisis to find out more about crisis and the foundation of the French strategy other cross-cutting funding may also CÉLINE ROBERT Water is a vital, and Post-crisis Calls for Projects (APCC), post-crisis calls for projects (apcc): to combat the fragility of States and include Water and Sanitation programs. irreplaceable ressource: it is therefore to co-fund field programs that support afd.fr/en/financing-ngo-projects societies. This Fund finances projects to

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SOCIAL WATER These included the Syndicat des Eaux THE INERTIA MANAGEMENT Île-de-France (SEDIF), the town of Blois, OF INTERNATIONAL the Communauté d’agglomération du DECISION-MAKERS For this reason, since 2011, with the aim Pays Voironnais, the Agence de l’eau Loire of reducing and eventually eradicating Bretagne, and the Agence de l’eau Rhône This cruel lack of funding is also a cholera epidemics, SOLIDARITÉS Méditerranée Corse. reflection of the inertia of certain INTERNATIONAL has been working international decision-makers who not only to rehabilitate Kalemie’s water do not realize that access to drinking network, but also to help local structures THE FINAL PHASE water, sanitation and hygiene is almost and communities take ownership of OF THE PROJET systematically at the heart of an effective the management and maintenance of IN JEOPARDY response to epidemics and that a medical this network while raising awareness response, on its own, is not enough. concerning good hygiene practices. SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is still These decision-makers reject most of struggling to find the necessary funds the attempts by humanitarian actors to Our teams support local authorities and to complete the restoration of a durable propose practical, long-term solutions. members of civil society in developing water network in Kalemie, and thus And yet, these same decision-makers the social and sustainable management continue fighting the root causes of criticize the fact that NGOs use public of drinking water supplies. This enables cholera. Lack of sufficient funding could funds to replicate the same mitigation two local associations, l’Association des jeopardize the implementation of the activities every year. Mamans pour la Sécurité et la Protection fifth and final phase of the project. This des Bornes Fontaines (The Association phase is all the more crucial as it will Since they also act as emergency BY SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL of Mothers for the Safety and Protection consist in implementing a water master “firefighters” in epidemic zones in Kalemie, OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT IN DRC IN KALEMIE, of Standpipes) and l’Association des plan and training local stakeholders in SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s teams fontainiers (The Association of Fountain the management and maintenance of the are aware that managing cholera cases, LACK OF FUNDING Managers) to sell water in order to network before handing it over to them so chlorinating water points and disinfecting manage the standpipes efficiently and that the network is sustainable. However, infected homes can save lives. But under THREATENS sustainably. until this funding arrives, SOLIDARITÉS no circumstances will the latter eliminate INTERNATIONAL may have to suspend its this scourge. In its 2018 Barometer, In exchange, they donate part of their activities in Kalemie. This would threaten SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL appealed THE FIGHT AGAINST revenue to the Congolese public water the project’s continuity by breaking the to all humanitarian and development WITH LUCILE CHABOT, management company, REGIDESO. ties and trust built up over the years with actors, both public and private, involved in HEAD OF PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS CHOLERA Together, these three organizations also the authorities and the local population. the DRC to work together to implement a contribute to raising users’ awareness by common plan to combat the deadly – but Since 2011, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has been working in the town of Kalemie in the Democratic advising them about good practices and There are several reasons for this easily controllable – disease of cholera. Republic of Congo (DRC) to rehabilitate and sustainably manage drinking water services to combat the spread informing them about the existence of difficulty in finding funding. On the one Only structural projects, and particularly of cholera. But the final phase of the project could be jeopardized due to a lack of funding and commitment emergency chlorination points. hand, the persistence of cholera cases those involving the development of from international decision-makers. in Tanganyika province is not widely infrastructure, which are still too rare in the During the fourth phase of the project, publicized, and on the other hand, this DRC, will put an end to the disease. which took place from November already fragile country is gripped by 2018 to June 2019, SOLIDARITÉS severe security crises. As a result, donors alemie is the largest town in the Lack of infrastructure, inadequate hygiene has risen from 50,000 to around 317,490. INTERNATIONAL’s teams participated are increasingly reluctant to commit to KK Tanganyika province, located practices and environmental factors make in the renovation and construction of such programs. For several years now, in south-eastern DRC on the border with Kalemie a high-risk area. In addition to For the time being, only an estimated 29% 3,949 linear metres of network, for the both in this province and also in Haut- Tanzania. This city was the entry point this, the city’s drinking water network, of the population has access to water benefit of 350,918 people. Thanks to Lomami, the Kivus, Ituri and now the read solidarites international’s for cholera into the country. Due to the built in 1954, is still dilapidated and too from the city’s network. The rest of the the Oudin-Santini law, which enables Kasaïs, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL manifesto to finally eradicate neighbouring lakes and lakeside areas, undersized to cope with the influx of population has to draw water from wells, local authorities and water agencies to has observed that humanitarian NGOs cholera in the drc on: this region is classified as a “source” area, vulnerable communities into the area. or from Lake Tanganyika and the Lukuga allocate 1% of their revenue from water have been withdrawing from the fight solidarites.org/en/countries/ i.e. a source of the epidemic, but also a Over the last ten years, due to population River, which are both exposed to faecal and sanitation services to international against cholera and persistent diseases, d-r-congo/manifest-eliminate- sanctuary during calmer periods. displacements following violent clashes in contamination. cooperation programs, several partners due to a lack of sufficient funds. cholera-drc/ the DRC, the total population of Kalemie provided funding for part of the work.

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WOMEN AND GIRLS

In many contexts, women are responsible for water collection and CHILDREN domestic chores. Yet they may find it difficult to participate in community decision-making. A factor as insignificant as the location of toilets, Since children are less involved in decision-making, showers or a water point can have a severe impact on the daily lives of and less well-informed, they have fewer opportunities women and girls. to say ‘no’ and are highly dependent on their parents or other adults to provide for their needs and safety. The distance between water and sanitation services and homes However, many WASH responses do not systematically can make even the simplest daily tasks, such as using the toilet or take into account the presence of children in the target fetching water for household chores, much more difficult. A woman population – and therefore the need to incorporate caring for young children is unlikely to leave her home to go to the toilet appropriate facilities such as toilets and washbasins if she has to go a long way, or to go to the water point if the collection that cater for their height and size, or that are large time is too long. enough to allow the adults on whom they depend to assist them. Worrying survival practices have developed: if there are no toilets nearby, one in three women prefer to relieve themselves in the open air, When they are forced to use unsuitable devices close to where they live, which increases psychological stress due to the or systems, children are thus exposed to health risks, fear of being seen and the feeling of loss of dignity. Many women say but also to risks of physical abuse through their proximity they prefer to wait until nightfall to take care of their personal hygiene, to other adults within sanitary facilities. making them “prisoners” during the day.

Gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual assault are also significant barriers. Women and girls who prefer to relieve themselves after dark, out of sight, face an increased risk to their physical safety. Today, we know that one in three women (and girls) have already been sexually PEOPLE assaulted. This very often leaves women (and girls) with an impossible WITH REDUCED choice between hygiene, safety and dignity. MOBILITY

For teenage girls, managing their first period, between the ages of 10 They often feel “invisible”. People with a disability, BY MARIE-FRANÇOISE SITNAM, and 19, is particularly problematic. Depending on the context, they face like older people, may have reduced mobility PROTECTION OFFICER, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL DIGNITY, more restrictions on their movements and behaviour than other groups. and therefore special needs. Yet they are very Very rarely included in discussions regarding specific community needs, often under-represented in community participation HYGIENE AND SECURITY adolescent girls have little opportunity to express concerns about their actions. In crisis situations, they are also exposed feminine hygiene or safety. to increased risks of neglect or moral and physical The challenges of protecting violence due to the erosion of social safety nets The issue of the economic inclusion of women and teenage girls and community support networks. access to water in water and sanitation programs is also a challenge. In some crisis and sanitation contexts, women and adolescent girls often have less access to financial Without their specific needs taken into consideration, resources to meet their needs. But it is very complicated for them to people living with disabilities and the elderly encounter obtain paid work within water access programs or to receive training on difficulties in the daily use of water points and sanitary Women, children, the disabled, LGBT+: several population groups are more vulnerable than others the maintenance of WASH infrastructure (schedules in conflict with their facilities: due to their reduced mobility, they may and therefore have specific needs. Lack of attention to these needs can hinder or block their access domestic chores, childcare responsibilities, lack of access to feminine inadvertently touch faeces when using standard toilets, to water and sanitation. hygiene products, etc.). However, they are expected to clean latrines or or slip on the wet surfaces of water points or shower common areas on a voluntary basis. areas. These difficulties increase their psychological stress related to the use of facilities and accentuate their sense of loss of dignity. onflicts, natural disasters, reduced mobility, the elderly or people direct impact on how they can or cannot CC voluntary or forced belonging to so-called marginal groups access Water, Sanitation and Hygiene displacement affect people differently (LGBT+ community, castes, etc.) are (WASH) services. It is therefore crucial to depending on their age, gender, sexual less visible and therefore have fewer look more deeply into how crisis situations orientation, level of mobility, ethnicity, opportunities to express their opinions affect them and the barriers to access LGBT+ COMMUNITY AND MARGINALIZED GROUPS cultural or political perspective, values, within the community. But these groups they may encounter, while taking into attitudes or beliefs. However, certain have needs, priorities and capacities that account their specific characteristics LGBT+ communities and marginalized groups are very often unable to share the same spaces groups such as women and girls, are sometimes very different from other and analysing the power dynamics that and infrastructures as the rest of the population due to cultural taboos but also due to psychological pressure, children, people with a disability or groups under consideration, which has a impede equitable access to resources. threats and physical violence.

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WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF FRANCE'S Without sanitation, thousands of children suffer from diarrhoea, NEW INTERNATIONAL and waterborne diseases due BY SANDRA MÉTAYER, to unsafe water are responsible COALITION EAU for one in two cases of malnutrition. STRATEGY? In 2019, 673 million people were still practicing open defecation. How can this be explained France recently adopted French action concerning all the major ambitious target which is to be welcomed: and what are the realities an international strategy for water current issues, in particular the effective in 2030, half of the sector’s ODA must be behind these figures? and sanitation for the period implementation of the Human Rights to dedicated to sanitation. 2020-2030, after a consultation water and sanitation, the management of process led by the Ministry of water resources and the protection and Finally, while the strategy proposes an BY JULIEN EYRARD, WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) preservation of aquatic ecosystems. analysis of the WASH action taken by the ACCESS TECHNICAL ADVISOR FOR THE ASIA REGION, ACTION CONTRE LA FAIM involving many stakeholders. MEAE Crisis and Support Centre during A step forward that satisfies That the first priority relates to governance humanitarian crises, there is no guidance TO SANITATION: a longstanding demand of Coalition issues is interesting; this integrates on emergency funding. Eau and responds to a commission important orientations such as the PROGRESS, from the Inter-ministerial Committee inclusiveness of services, support to local THE ISSUE for International Cooperation stakeholders, structuring of the sector, OF ENFORCEMENT and Development. participation and accountability, but also AND ACCOUNTABILITY BUT A MIXED the management of trans-border basins and the strengthening of international Following its adoption, it is now essential REALITY water governance. to ensure the proper enforcement of the he political policy orientation strategy by communicating it to the State TTdocument for France’s external However, the proposals are very broad services and all public actors responsible nding open defecation is one of good hygiene and excreta management campaign and made it a priority. Thanks action in the field of Water, Sanitation and and most of them are not broken down for its implementation and by allocating EE the Sustainable Development practices. This is an essential approach to a substantial budget of 13 billion euros, Hygiene (WASH) presents two objectives: into specific objectives. The main adequate resources for its implementation. Goals (SDGs). The world is making since some families are unaware of the the program has enabled the construction (i) universal and equitable access to commitments and major actions that progress towards this goal: the latest contamination risks posed by young of 111 million latrines in the country in drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, France wishes to carry out to meet these To ensure monitoring, the strategy JMP1 report shows that 23 countries children’s faecal matter. just 5 years. These are hopeful figures and (ii) Integrated Water Resources WASH challenges are not explicit. The incorporates an accountability framework have reduced open defecation rates which, unfortunately, do not reflect Management (IWRM) at the level of river document fails to send a clear political which associates indicators with each through actions like Community Led Total THE SPECIAL the abandonment of open defecation: basins. message. strategic priority. This framework will Sanitation (CLTS)2 campaigns. These CASE OF INDIA there is always a gap between having enhance the transparency of France’s virtuous and effective campaigns put an access to toilets and actually using them. In order to reach these objectives, the NO QUANTIFIED action. While it includes the monitoring of end to open defecation for adults, but one India is a true “kingmaker” in terms of Open defecation is an ancient practice government has adopted the following TARGETS FOR the main Official Development Assistance category of the population is excluded: reducing open defecation, since it is the that remains tenacious in some Indian strategic priorities: IMPLEMENTATION data, the framework does not, however, toddlers who defecate “on the spot” or in country where it was most practiced. environments. It is therefore necessary to 1. To improve governance assess certain orientations, particularly cloths. If parents wash these cloths in the Until 5 years ago, more than 50% of the change mentalities and behaviour so that of the water and sanitation sector, The third strategic priority is dedicated to those relating to governance. It will be river, this amounts to population had no the program is also successful in terms of from local to global level; the means for implementation. In terms largely based on the indicators that the open defecation, which GANDHI HIMSELF access to toilets. This is use. However, the campaign seeks above 2. To reinforce water security of Official Development Assistance (ODA), Agence Française de Développement will in turn creates a certain USED TO SAY THAT the only country, with a all to “bring in the numbers” by counting for all in a context of increasing the strategy acknowledges the strong use over the period. level of environmental 47% reduction in open only the toilets and not their usage rate. pressure on resources and growing predominance of the “loans” instrument contamination. This “SANITATION IS MORE defecation, which has water-related crises; and notes the need to increase grants. It At a time when our sector suffers from a level will not be high IMPORTANT THAN achieved the progress In India, as elsewhere, it is time for civil 3. To strengthen the effectiveness plans to improve targeting towards the lack of political leadership at government enough to cause INDEPENDENCE” observed in 2019. society to take action to change attitudes of means and tools, by giving priority Least Developed Countries, in particular level, let us hope that the new MEAE serious diarrhoea, How? Thanks to the and call on leaders to show political will to the development of innovative the Priority Poor Countries of the French strategy constitutes an “internal” advocacy but constant exposure will be sufficient launch in October 2014 of the “Swachh to end the scourge of open defecation. solutions and solidarity-based cooperation, and to increase the share of tool that demonstrates the importance of to cause other types of pathologies Bharat” (Clean India) campaign. Gandhi Without sanitation, there can be no financing mechanisms. ODA channelled through NGOs. These WASH for the achievement of the 2030 that can lead to undernutrition due to himself used to say that “sanitation is more sustainable development. orientations are heading in the right Agenda as a whole and enables greater malabsorption of nutrients. In response important than independence”. RELEVANT direction but face a major shortcoming: no political and financial prioritization of this 1 JMP : Joint Monitoring Program, a UNICEF to this situation, Action contre la Faim and WHO goal monitoring system BUT VERY BROAD quantified targets are specified. sector in French international cooperation. (ACF) is developing a “Baby Wash” As soon as he was elected, Narendra 2 An integrated approach that consists in ORIENTATIONS encouraging a community to analyse its own campaign, which aims to raise awareness Modi, claiming nationalist Hinduism practices and their consequences, and to take With regard to sanitation, the document is among parents and caregivers about and Gandhian heritage, launched this action on water and sanitation The first two strategic priorities provide more specific. It plans to balance financing an overview of the orientations for between water and sanitation, with an

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In anticipation of the 2020 municipal elections and the ten-year anniversary of the UN’s acknowledgement of the Human Rights to water and sanitation, Coalition Eau and 30 partner organizations are launching the “Water is a Right!” campaign. The objective is to mobilize the government and elected officials regarding the persistent challenges of access to water and sanitation, in France and around the world.

BY ÉDITH GUIOCHON, ADVOCACY OFFICER, COALITION EAU WATER ISN'T EARNED, IT'S A RIGHT!

AN ALARMING essential service is finally accessible and affordable for all, GLOBAL SITUATION including the poorest. These political stakes are playing out both nationally (in Metropolitan France and the Overseas territories), France is committed at the international level to achieving through the acknowledgement and effective implementation the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United of the Human Rights to water and sanitation, but also in terms Nations, and in particular to “guaranteeing universal access to of international solidarity, through stronger political will and water and the efficient management of water resources” (SDG ambitious and effective official development assistance for water n°6). However, ten years after the acknowledgement of the and sanitation. Human Rights to drinking water and sanitation, the challenges are still immense! A ‘MANIFEST’EAU’ • 2.2 billion people around the world still do not have FOR MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES access to safe water WATER IS A RIGHT! • 4.2 billion people have no safe sanitation facilities The action of local authorities, who are responsible for Water • 1,000 children die every day of diarrhoea as a result and Sanitation, is essential and their impact is significant, with A campaign sponsored of inadequate access to water and sanitation the development of ambitious and innovative political measures, by Aïssa Maïga both within their territory and in the context of decentralized FRANCE ALSO LAGGING BEHIND cooperation. This is why the candidates in the 2020 municipal elections are invited to sign a “Manifest’Eau” (Water Manifesto) Today, in Metropolitan France, 1.4 million people still do not have containing 5 commitments to take practical action, during the six he “Water is a Right!” campaign Co-produced by Bonne Pioche and Echo story eloquently illustrates the ideas put access to safe water, and 7.5 million people do not have adequate years of their mandate, to support universal rights to water and TTis sponsored by french actress, Studio, this documentary film shows, forward by the campaign. sanitation facilities (UN 2019 data). The price of water is also an sanitation, within their territory and internationally. author and director Aïssa Maïga, who is through the eyes of an eleven-year- issue: nearly one million French households have difficulty paying strongly committed and sensitive to the old girl living in a village in the Azawak As the year 2020 marks 10 years since the their water bills (to remain affordable, the bill should not exceed In the coming weeks and months, through mobilization actions issues surrounding access to water and region of Niger, the construction of a United Nations recognized the Human 3% of actual household income). And in the French Overseas and with the support of the actress and director Aïssa Maïga, sanitation. deep well by the NGO Amman Imman, Rights to water and sanitation, the film Departments and Territories, the figures are even more alarming, the campaign’s patron, the “Water is a Right” partners will send and the gradual arrival of water in this “Walking on Water” and the campaign with access rates sometimes similar to those in some developing their recommendations to local elected officials and candidates Among her many projects, Aïssa Maïga region (16 communities concerned). “Water is a Right” both resonate with a countries. in municipal elections, but also to the government and therefore took up her camera and made The film illustrates the complex issues strong message about the importance parliamentarians, in order to make 2020 a landmark year for the a documentary filmMarcher sur l’eau surrounding the lack of access to drinking of access to water for all! Events will be THE GOVERMENT’S Human Rights to water and sanitation. (‘’Walking on Water’’), which will be water, the role of women and the impacts organized throughout the year to highlight ESSENTIAL ROLE released in autumn 2020. of climate change in West Africa. This the fact that water is a right.

It is urgent that the French State plays its full role to enable follow the “water is a right” campaign a rapid change in political trajectory and to ensure that this on leauestundroit.fr

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INNOVATION IS THE FUTURE OF THE WASH BY ANNE-LISE LAVAUR, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS FOR PROGRAMS, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL SECTOR!

Wherever water is in crisis, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL calls perpetual adjustment to changes several solutions and innovations on all international solidarity actors to put (in a context, in the needs of populations, are already being implemented on their rose-tinted glasses, which filter in the tools available, etc.). The innovation on a daily basis. Now the challenge out the problems, in order to highlight approach is therefore understood as a tool is to make them accessible to all. the solutions and innovations at the service of the quality approach. implemented daily in situations where It relates to our ability to demonstrate water is in crisis. As we know, crisis the quality of our operational action, contexts that are subject to major our added value as a humanitarian actor OLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s constraints (deterioration of the security and, ultimately, our humanitarian impact. SS teams work every day to provide and food context, tensions over natural quality humanitarian aid, seeking to best resources, logistical constraints and Low-tech solutions and innovations meet the needs of populations affected restricted access...) are conducive to (accessible to all, local, simple) are the by crises. This quality approach that innovation. To be more accountable future of the sector. These technologies, guides our action raises questions about and to maximize the impact of our services and know-how meet essential our capacity for situational analysis, actions, let’s work together to establish needs, and are sustainable and including needs assessment, and our a comprehensive learning and accessible. ability to adapt to the many changes in improvement process that will result in the the humanitarian contexts in which we development of solid technical expertise, Too often in our work, we are asked work: how can we adjust our methods of the strengthening of MEAL (Monitoring, to observe and analyse problems in intervention to a deteriorating context? Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) order to find solutions. But some of these This concern for flexibility is essential activities and support for humanitarian solutions are already in place and this for building a relationship of trust with innovation on a daily basis. invites us to take a positive look at the beneficiary populations, partners sector and at the qualitative improvement and donors. For SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, of responses by promoting specific humanitarian innovation can refer to initiatives among all actors. In this last part of the Barometer, we have something unheard of, something new; SOLUTIONSSOLUTIONS chosen to talk about the “half-full glass”. a search for improvement and/or a && SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’S RECOMMENDATIONS

N° 8 Apply systemic and situational analysis frameworks that include the analysis of criteria INNOVATIONSINNOVATIONS on deteriorating contexts. N° 9 Develop dynamic, integrated, multi-actor, multi-annual responses that anticipate and adapt to deteriorations (or improvements) in contexts.

To adapt to our changing world and continue to provide quality aid, N° 10 Identify, integrate and support the scaling-up of “low-tech” innovative solutions, to improve the impact international solidarity actors must constantly update their approach of our interventions. by reviewing not only their operating methods but also their ways of thinking.

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BY THIERRY BENLAHSEN, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL OVERCOMING MAINTAINING BY XAVIER LAUTH, EMERGENCY TEAM MANAGER, RISK ACCESS SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL AVERSION IN CHALLENGING CONTEXTS

f our judgment were based solely on its acceptance by the surrounding sighted? Will this bias continue for a long II on humanitarian plans and “4Ws” communities. Building our own time to disadvantage areas that should Access to the most vulnerable populations So there are no ready-made solutions to obtain access, let alone (mapping of NGO presence and response acceptance around relevant and quality nevertheless be given priority in terms of can rarely be guaranteed all the time and to negotiate it. Access must be established then maintained coverage) available from humanitarian activities and infrastructure is therefore structural responses? When are we finally in all circumstances. It requires a sound understanding through everyone’s day-to-day work. It must be a central coordination bodies, it would appear that a much more effective method of risk going to work together? of the context, as well as daily action to gain element when analysing any humanitarian action and sustained water and sanitation needs are being management than negotiations with any and maintain the acceptance of all local actors. by a critical, analytical perspective on our operational contexts. met, even in hard-to-reach communities. one group. PROXIMITY IS A TOOL! For example, a badly communicated message during the Claiming to be able to reach these areas recruitment of staff could send the wrong signal to a community has become a major “selling point” for DECONSTRUCTING Relevance implies an institutional or to a local authority representative, which could cause many organizations and agencies. THE FALLACY commitment: the combination of a ccess to the most vulnerable populations has offence and close off access to a community. A project could “HARD-TO-REACH detailed understanding of the issues always been a central issue in the implementation be jeopardized due to lack of preparation for the obstacles on a In the field, a completely different reality AREAS = EMERGENCY faced by populations, communities, AA of our operations and is at the heart of SOLIDARITÉS road, or insufficient evaluation of the financial costs to reach one can be observed: local Water, Sanitation RESPONSE” stakeholders and local team members; INTERNATIONAL’s values. To take aid further, our mandate is to person. and Hygiene (WASH) teams left to their and the analytical distance and understand, integrate and respond to the expectations of the own devices, heavy reliance on private No, working in dangerous areas does not projections that can only be provided by communities we assist, by working with people as closely as Access to a population can be restored by setting up an air service providers without a monitoring necessarily mean setting up emergency technical collaborators with the capacity possible. Upholding this key priniciple, which may seem natural bridge, which enables a fleet of planes to reach an isolated framework, lack of respect for minimum activities. These activities are obviously for hindsight that only experience in for a humanitarian actor, can be complex or even impossible due population, or through clear communication with warring quality standards, implementation of necessary but they are not sufficient, several contexts can bring. The delegation to the numerous barriers that obstruct humanitarian access in parties about the humanitarian mandate so that they accept emergency facilities that no longer even right at the start of an intervention. of analysis and positioning to purely local the countries where we work. These obstacles may take various this principle. It may be consolidated in volatile areas with the correspond to the communities’ recovery In Liptako Gourma, between Burkina teams (i.e. from the intervention zone forms: violent armed groups that refuse any assistance for local support of a beneficiary community that will guarantee the levels. Faso, Niger and Mali, tensions between only) amounts to an internal transfer of populations, or roads cut off by an earthquake. They may also security of an NGO. It may also be resumed simply due to a displaced and host populations are high responsibility, and therefore in the long include compulsory administrative constraints on travel or change in administration, when a more accommodating authority SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is more due to a historical lack of accessible term to a transfer of risk and acceptance on carrying out humanitarian action in a neutral and impartial is placed in charge of travel authorizations within a region. It is convinced than ever that effective infrastructure, and would be intensified of failure. manner. rare that humanitarian access in the field can be guaranteed international aid – regardless of the by an emergency response targeting all the time and in all circumstances. Sometimes, it is therefore response timeframe – requires physical, displaced people only. The priority SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s work For SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, access is defined as the necessary to anticipate that access will only be secured for tangible presence in the most isolated must therefore be the establishment has been based for years on a very ability of humanitarian actors to reach the population affected by a short time. One example, which receives the most media communities. But this means revisiting of basic services for all populations, close relationship between its head a crisis, without causing them any harm, as well as the affected coverage, is the passage of large humanitarian convoys following certain intellectual stereotypes in order to complemented by relief and support office, country coordination and base population’s ability to access humanitarian assistance. This lies at high level negotiations. At a more modest level, and yet just as understand these areas of intervention. activities targeting vulnerabilities, not management teams, whether expatriate the very heart of our mandate, and these barriers and constraints transiently, the installation of a water point that has changed lives status. This requires strong coordination or local. The commitment of all our form an integral part of our work, which is to provide assistance in one village may encourage the neighbouring community to DECONSTRUCTING of expertise, between acceptance employees to our teams in the field – to those who are most in need, regardless of whether they put pressure on leaders, local authorities or armed groups who THE SECURITY management, technical, social and even the most complicated ones – is an belong to one group or another. had previously refused humanitarian assistance. NARRATIVE economic engineering and capacity organizational obligation. This enables building (district and departmental levels). the structure to ensure that all levels of Access therefore hinges on respect for local populations, and Access is rarely a question of major international negotiations. Yes, some contexts are very high risk, We are far from what a rapid intervention the organization have an intimate grasp on our ability to project action in risk zones, then to manage and Instead, it relies on daily action that has been designed to fit the but the myth of the humanitarian worker of a few months can achieve, and of the issues related to our activities, and follow through on these projections. Certain populations are context, which enables us to be accepted, recognized and to operating during a bombing raid is a collaboration with development actors, to guarantee that the right decisions are frequently kept away from humanitarian assistance. There are carry out our work. When this work is well done and takes into mental image from the past. The famous private partners and local authorities is the taken in times of crisis. various reasons for this: political motives, avoiding the presence consideration the specific social dynamics of each location, then “front line” now only exists in very few only effective option, under humanitarian of witnesses, pressure on an opposing group, or corruption this is the only passport to acceptance that will always remain contexts of intervention and has been leadership in the first instance, because of In a way, it is our appetite for risk that on the part of one individual. In certain cases, access may be valid. It is not always enough to guarantee us access, but without gradually replaced by areas of diffuse access issues. Unfortunately, how many protects us from that same risk. closed off due to a misunderstanding or to poor communication it nothing is possible. instability. In many areas of contested times can we still hear – particularly from between the local community and humanitarian workers, who do sovereignty, such as in northern Mali or development donors – that they are not And in the end, we will all bear this risk not have the same social conventions or the same expectations. north-eastern Syria, the leadership of one interested in this type of humanitarian individually. party involved in a conflict often depends action that is considered too short-

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olutions and innovations to for improved service delivery, such as academically rigorous field data collection SS address humanitarian WASH CRS in Nigeria, are examples of OFDA’s around commonly implemented but needs are not fancy new filters or other recent support. Importantly, OFDA has under-researched activities such as engineering marvels. To meet the decided to mainstream these approaches bucket chlorination, and laboratory work4 challenges of complex emergencies that into existing programming, rather than for emerging questions such as safe are overwhelming humanitarian response continuing stand-alone global awards, handwashing practice in Ebola outbreaks. capabilities, we must approach innovation as a lesson learned in increasing uptake Partnerships between implementing differently and identify solutions more across partners. OFDA has also adopted organizations and academic partners broadly. This is particularly important for the Grand Bargain2 Multipurpose Cash promote guidance and tools based on the United States Agency for International Outcome indicators that incorporate sound evidence that remain applicable Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign sector-relevant concerns through the to real world programming. Disaster Assistance (soon to be part of inclusion of WASH-related coping the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance) strategy indicators. Returning to the idea of “new” technology, as almost 90% of 2019 funding for WASH advances in solar energy have made programming supported populations INNOVATIVE HYGIENE this intervention widely applicable to affected by complex emergencies. More PROMOTION TOOLS emergency contexts due to lower costs focused attention on improved delivery, and greater efficiencies. The WASH sector market systems analysis, and behaviour Another OFDA priority is contextually must stay up-to-date to take advantage change interventions are key to improving based behaviour change tools, rather of these improvements; the OFDA-funded the quality and effectiveness of responses. than health-based education, to improve Global Water and Solar Initiative5 provides Ensuring WASH programming approaches hygiene promotion and maintenance real-time design and best practice are founded on a robust evidence-base of WASH structures. Long recognized support to humanitarian WASH NGOs. and are contextually relevant underpins as an under-served area of emergency OFDA also supports a new generation these initiatives. WASH, hygiene behaviour promotion is of WASH staff through formal approaches now moving well-beyond bland health to education, such as the in-development MARKET-BASED education messaging and enabling Humanitarian WASH Master’s degree PROGRAMMING populations to apply good practices to being developed in the Middle East their changed circumstances by exploring by ACF. Complex emergencies are increasingly motivations and barriers. The OFDA- occurring in urban and high-density areas funded WASH’Em project3 focuses on The increasing complexity and scale where limited space, advanced networks innovative rapid assessment tools using of humanitarian WASH responses BY MELISSA OPRYSZKO, and governmental authorities compel decision-making software to hone in on demand continued innovation with broad HEALTH TEAM, OFDA NEW working within local systems including people’s motivations in crises when time, dissemination. OFDA WASH supports markets, administrative and infrastructure resources and attention are limited. Other these solutions through sector-wide DATA-BASED, networks. WASH implementers need to recent approaches include using nudges, capacity building initiatives, targeted work effectively with local utilities, water play soap, and Sesame Street characters research to expand the evidence base for CONTEXTUALLY-RELEVANT vendors, and large market systems rather adapted to the context to entice improved effective programming, and we applaud AND TRACY WISE, than creating parallel systems specific hygiene behaviours through positive, fun partners’ uptake of improved approaches to emergency response. This approach, activities aimed at the whole family, not specifically adapted to emergencies, WASH ADVISOR, OFDA APPROACHES market-based programming (MBP) in just caregivers. such as market-based programming emergency WASH, is expanding and and behaviour communication. becoming more readily applied by NGOs. CREATIVE SOLUTIONS OFDA considers cash and vouchers AND DISSEMINATION To improve the quality and effectiveness of their responses, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) important components of MBP, but OF FINDINGS 1 Supporting sustainable water service delivery actors must ensure that their programming approaches are based on relevant data and appropriate to the context partners can do more, such as short- in a protracted crisis, OXFAM, 2018 in which they work. term targeted support to market actors Capacity building of humanitarian WASH 2 The Grand Bargain, launched at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016, is an agreement to restore market systems after a crisis. actors continues to be a challenge between some of the largest donors and Professionalizing community-led systems requiring creative solutions to address humanitarian organizations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian action. through programs, such as Oxfam’s limits in time, staff movement, and 3 https://washem.info/ in South Sudan1,as well as mapping access to materials. Dissemination of 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5322913/ private water market actors and piloting research findings in practical innovative 5 https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Pumping_ the resulting priority recommendations programming is critical. OFDA supports Toolkit_-_The_Global_Solar_%26_Water_Initiative

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At the institutional level, sentries were in order to save lives. It also played a posted in health centres to ensure that leading role in setting up departmental “ALLOCATING epidemiological data was collected and investigation commissions in the West, MORE FUNDS centralized. Stool samples were taken South East and Nippes departments to and analysed by the national laboratory consolidate operations in response to TO FIGHT to detect the Vibrio cholerae bacterium cholera outbreaks. CHOLERA” quickly. The results were available within BY MARIA-LUISA an acceptable turnaround time: two SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s teams FORNARA, weeks to one month. participated in all sectoral meetings, not UNICEF REPRESENTATIVE only to stimulate discussions but also to IN HAITI At the community level, the challenge was suggest solutions. The creation of joint to mobilize local actors (organizations, teams with the National Directorate for “It has now been almost exactly a multi-skilled health workers, dignitaries, Water Supply and Sanitation bolstered year since any new cases of cholera etc.) and to build their capacity to “knock-out” operations. were confirmed in Haiti. The last take action by providing training on confirmed cholera case dates back the treatment of cholera cases (oral Actions to support other partners were to 4 February 2019. This means that rehydration, disinfection of the sick also carried out in other departments the cholera eradication activities have person’s home, water purification throughout the country. SOLIDARITÉS been successful. UNICEF played a key treatment) and on reporting information INTERNATIONAL also provided logistical role in fighting cholera. Working with on rumours of suspected cases. This support to transport joint teams and take other United Nations agencies and information was analysed during Cary-Blair samples (containers used to partner NGOs to support the Haitian coordination meetings, and appropriate collect and store stool samples) to the government, UNICEF deployed rapid action was taken. When cholera cases national laboratory. response teams, within 24 to 48 hours, were confirmed, this enabled community to homes where a suspected case had BY SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL response teams to carry out more SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s teams been detected. HAITI OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT IN HAITI detailed investigations and implement also organized training sessions to help another series of measures: widening the state institutions, their partners and The time has now come to ramp up our NO NEW CHOLERA cordon sanitaire, setting up chlorination community focal points gain greater efforts to sustain the progress we have AND WANGCOS LAURORE, and handwashing points, disinfecting autonomy. made after a 10-year battle against DEPUTY PROGRAMME COORDINATOR IN HAITI CASES latrines, etc. the disease. We must consolidate Finally, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL the monitoring system, maintain a In 2015, NGOs, Public Health teams and worked with universities to carry out minimum response capacity within FOR ONE YEAR National Directorate for Water Supply and scientific studies so as to confirm or the Ministry of Health, improve water Sanitation teams took joint action in areas refute certain assumptions, in particular and sanitation facilities, and enhance where there were recurring outbreaks of regarding home disinfection or hygiene awareness and promotion Since Feburary 2019, decision-making, access to preventative the actors fighting cholera had not been cholera. Working together to implement environmental conditions. within communities, to prevent any no new cholera cases have been and curative treatment and combating vigilant enough; they thought they had the response enabled the coordination of new outbreaks of cholera or other registered in Haiti, which had been transmission of the disease. From 2010 to already triumphed over the disease. humanitarian activities and bolstered their VIGILANCE diarrhoeal diseases. ravaged by the disease for ten 2013, humanitarian actors implemented an overall impact. A case tracking system years. This victory has been made emergency “knock-out” response to save At the time of writing, no new cases was set up, and every confirmed case The results achieved since February 2019 We have two years left to completely, possible by the combined efforts lives. of cholera have been registered in the was investigated in detail to identifiy the bear witness to the successful cholera permanently eradicate cholera from and coordination of all the actors country since February 2019. Haiti has index cases and thus cut off any disease eradication activities in Haiti, but the Haiti, in accordance with the World fighting the epidemic. ZERO CHOLERA CASES taken a leap forward, knocking about transmission routes. lessons learnt in 2014 mean that all actors Health Organisation (WHO) and the SINCE FEBRUARY 2019 two years off the timetable in the 2012 must remain extremely vigilant. The battle government’s national strategy. I call eradication plan. This outcome has been SOLIDARITÉS is not yet over. Investments must be made on our technical and financial partners From March to September 2014, thanks made possible by the combined efforts INTERNATIONAL’S to reduce risks, in order to consolidate the to allocate more funds to fighting holera broke out in Haiti in to the efforts of the MSPP and all its and coordination of the actors fighting the ACTION progress already achieved and, in time, to cholera, so that together, with the CC October 2010, in the aftermath partners, there was an unprecedented cholera epidemic in Haiti. enable the poorest Haitian communities to Haitian government, we can win this of the earthquake that devastated the decrease in the incidence of cholera since SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has been live in a cholera-free environment. last battle against cholera.’’ country. The disease left 9,792 people the epidemic broke out in the country. INSTITUTIONAL actively fighting cholera in Haiti since dead and over 82,000 were admitted However, during the third quarter of the AND COMMUNITY 2010, with support from its main funding to hospital1. To fight the epidemic, the same year, a new outbreak occured in COORDINATION partners2, and has played an important 1 Data published by the Ministry of Public Health Ministry of Public Health and Population Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital city. role in coordinating the various actors. and Population (MSPP). (MSPP) and the National Directorate for An investigation showed that this upsurge The organization of regular meetings that It provided technical support to collect 2 UNICEF, ECHO (European Commission) and GAC (Canada). Water Supply and Sanitation (DINEPA) was caused by the contamination of one brought together all the actors working epidemiological data, analyse this data drew up a 10-year plan to eradicate of the water points that supplied the city. in the Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and and map out at-risk areas. for more details, the solidarites cholera (2012-2022), with support from Once again, the epidemic spread to all Health fields, in the various departments international special report, technical and financial partners. This the other towns in the country. This turn of the country, enabled more effective In keeping with its mandate, SOLIDARITÉS “haiti, 10 years after plan comprises three main strategic of events revealed weaknesses in the epidemiological surveillance at the INTERNATIONAL deployed teams to the the earthquake” is available priorities: coordination and support for country’s institutions, but also showed that institutional and community level. most remote, difficult-to-reach areas on solidarites.org

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2020 will be marked by several important international events. Each of them will be an opportunity for the French Water Partnership (FWP) to call for tangible action on universal access to water and sanitation.

must the importance of setting an example, so FWP members working on the SDGs have it as being relegated to a later stage (in 2. Contributing to greater inclusion The FWP’s fourth priority issue, as 20202020 and will as to be credible elsewhere in the world. formed a working group and have defined relation to mitigation) – is an opportunity of adaptation and water/climate defined by its governance and members, be a landmark year for many water The criteria used to evaluate access to four priorities for the next two years: to give water and aquatic biodiversity issues in international negociations is aquatic biodiversity. As mentioned issues. There are many important dates drinking water and sanitation within the 1. To advocate for faster issues their place in these negociations. and policies, and advocating for earlier, two major events should enable throughout the year: the submission SDG process have been upgraded since implementation of the 2030 For the record, 93% of the commitments upward adjustments in national the identification of appropriate strategies of revised climate plans by countries the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). Agenda water goals. made by governments at COP21 included commitments made by governments. and commitments to respond to the before the COP26 in Glasgow (review of We now know that the number of people 2. To ensure that the 2030 Agenda an adaptation component that mentioned 3. Emphasizing the FWP members’ major decline in biodiversity worldwide “Nationally Determined Contributions”), who do not have access to safe drinking is effectively implemented. water. expertise and solutions to combat and especially in aquatic biodiversity. The the 2020 target date for certain water has only fallen from 2.3 to 2.2 billion 3. To contribute to greater visibility climate change. IPBES Global Assessment of Biodiversity Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in 17 years. This is an alarming figure, an and understanding of the SDGs. Many French stakeholders (local 4. Improving “water and climate” and Ecosystem Services (2019) sadly the review of the United Nations SDG alarming situation. Access to drinking 4. To emphasize the FWP members’ authorities, industrial firms, farmers) are awareness, knowledge and reminded us that the current species monitoring mechanism, the World water and sanitation is fundamental expertise and solutions to implement taking action to implement the adaptation capabilities among all stakeholders extinction rate was “unprecedented” Conservation Congress organized by the to escape chronic poverty and greatly the SDGs. aspect of this agreement. The French and at all levels. and still accelerating. It is a little-known International Union for Conservation of reduce infant mortality. The major Government has also adopted its second fact that aquatic diversity is particularly Nature (IUCN), and the COP15 Biodiversity efforts made by French stakeholders FRANCE MUST National Climate Change Adaptation In fragile environments, climate badly affected. The FWP will participate Convention in China. We hope that are commendable (increased official SET AN EXAMPLE IN Plan (PNACC 2). For disturbances in the World Conservation Congress in governments and development THE IMPLEMENTATION its part, the FWP WE CANNOT exacerbate other Marseille and will also attend the COP15 all actors in society ALTHOUGH assistance, OF THE PARIS CLIMATE working group on this DENY THAT WATER crisis factors. Through Biodiversity Convention in Kunming. Our will seize these THE FWP AND ITS decentralized AGREEMENT issue has set itself IS STILL SELDOM its working group contribution: to showcase knowledge and opportunities to MEMBERS ARE ACTIVE cooperation, results the overall objective DISCUSSED IN “Access to drinking Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and to call increase their achieved by civil Since the water cycle is the first sign of of encouraging THE CLIMATE DEBATE. water, sanitation and for freshwater to occupy a much more objectives and make INTERNATIONALLY, society organizations, climate change, the FWP and its members the operational hygiene during crises important position in post-2020 goals to announcements. THEY ALSO various types have also made the connection between implementation of the Paris agreement and in fragile contexts”, the FWP is taking protect biodiversity. EMPHASIZE THE of cooperation). water and climate one of their four with regard to water. Its work focuses on action to increase the sector’s ability to These important IMPORTANCE OF However, these efforts priority issues. Floods, droughts, wildfires, the following areas: respond to growing needs and to prioritize events will be SETTING AN EXAMPLE, must be increased, hurricanes, rising sea levels, deterioration 1. Supporting the operational the protection of the most vulnerable an opportunity SO AS TO BE CREDIBLE bearing in mind that of aquatic biodiversity – these will all implementation of international populations. for French Water ELSEWHERE IN THE 2 million people in continue to increase and will have a major commitments and the emergence Partnership (FWP) WORLD. France do not have impact on human activities and the natural of solutions relating to water and members to discuss permanent access to world. Extreme climate conditions may climate issues. potential angles for advocacy and define drinking water and sanitation, especially cause a greater number of epidemics strategic actions to drive progress on in the Overseas Territories where 40% and population movements, in addition to water issues. The FWP has 200 members, of domestic sanitation facilities do not conflicts and food shortages (Lake Chad, who form six panels (governments and comply with regulations. Regarding Libya, Syria, etc.). Their multi-faceted public institutions, local authorities, environmental issues, according impact will affect France, the European civil society organizations, economic to the 2018 progress report on the Union and the Mediterranean region, players, research and training institutes, implementation of the SDGs in France, as well as our relations with the African private individuals). They all believe in only 44% of surface waters had been continent. collective action and have joined the restored to good ecological status in FWP to influence international decisions 2016. In 2050, the average annual flow of In the wake of the COP25 conference in and maintain consistency between their rivers through towns will fall by 10 to 40%, Madrid, we cannot deny that water is still overseas projects. and droughts will become much more seldom discussed in the climate debate. frequent and severe. As sea levels rise, However, the fact that adaptation was Although the FWP and its members are flooding will occur more often, as will the given high political priority in the Paris active internationally, they also emphasize salinization of coastal groundwater. agreement – although many actors see

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RWANDA Lake Victoria DEMOCRATIC Due to dwindling resources control over the Golan Heights, located and Euphrates rivers. Since 1962, several Lake REPUBLIC around the world, water-related to the north-east of Lake Tiberias and rounds of negotiations have been held, KENYA Albert OF CONGO conflicts are likely to multiply annexed by in 1981 by Israel, which without much success. In the face of - unless the vital need for considers it as a region in its own right. global warming in the region – projections UGANDA SOALIA collaborative management Another source of tension is the Nile, indicate that a 2°C rise in temperature

14% Juba can form the foundation which flows through nine countries before would reduce rainfall by 20 to 40 per

Should allo Ethiopia to become CENTRAL AFRICAN for sustainable peace. reaching the Mediterranean in Egypt. cent – these States will probably have the leading African producer of electricity SOUTH REUBLIC However, the methods employed by to reconsider their position. And – who 14% SUDAN ETHIOPIA the latter are annoying its neighbours, knows? – make water sharing in the including Ethiopia where the Blue Nile Middle-East the basis for lasting peace. Addis Ababa 59% ater was a little-known has its source. In 1997, Cairo did not see

Hydropolitical conﬂict W

h cause of the popular fit to present its project in advance to …THAT SOMETIMES

DJIBOUTI i Lake Tana t e W over the Nile W uprising that plunged Syria into war. irrigate the Toshka Valley with water from N BEAR FRUIT

i Blue Nile l e Between 2006 and 2010, Syrian farmers the artificial Lake Nasser, located on the Inequitable water sharing 13% and Egypt’s water security... SUDAN suffered four successive years of drought: border with Sudan. As a result, Ethiopia Utopian? Not necessarily. Other countries CHAD

A 2 million people slid into poverty and responded by launching the Grand have already managed to agree on these The Nile and its tributaries Red Sea t b a Khartoum Catchment area ERITREA ra more than 1 million farmers left the Renaissance Dam project in 2011, the issues: Pakistan and India have fought Canal project to divert part of the river countryside to move to the cities. The largest hydroelectric facility in Africa. each other in several bloody wars, and

to develop agricultural land Nile country, affected by global warming, is yet they have long agreed on sharing the Share in annual flow according to the 1929 and 1959 treaties also the scene of a regional battle for For Frédéric Lasserre, future conflicts over six rivers that flow from the high peaks of Egypt has a right of veto over all Nile projects water. In the 1990s, Turkey launched a water could be civil wars. “Water scarcity the Himalayas. An agreement, signed in 66% % 1% Lake Nasser vast development program including can lead to a violent outburst of frustration... 1960 under the aegis of the World Bank, EGT SUDAN OTHER NILE BASIN COUNTRIES Strategic water the construction of 22 dams on the Tigris Especially if some actors instrumentalize thus ratified the distribution of these reserve for Egypt Egypt depends on the Nile for 95% of its water Aswan and Euphrates rivers. The consequences these tensions,” explains the researcher. waters. Meetings to work out the technical High Dam Sudan (united with Egypt when the first treaty was signed) for its border countries, Iraq and Syria, These kinds of conflicts, which receive details between the two administrations were significant: today, the flow of the very little media coverage, have already have never been called into question. ... are being challenged by upstream countries Nile EGYPT LIBA and Ethiopia’s proects Euphrates is estimated to have fallen by resulted in deaths, for example in And this, despite the persistent tensions Upstream countries about 50% and that of the Tigris by 66%. September 2010 in the Kurram region between these feuding neighbours. This Water inflows into the Nile from Ethiopian plateaus Cairo of Pakistan. example proves that through collaborative Water inflows from other tributaries WATER IS ADDING management, water, often a source Grand Renaissance Dam under construction FUEL TO THE FIRE ARDUOUS of conflict, could also become a factor Signatory country of the Entebbe agreement (2010**), NEGOTIATIONS… of peace and cooperation. editerranean disputing Egypt’s dominance over water sharing Sea No less than 260 river basins in the world Signatory country of the Khartoum agreement (2015) 500 KM are thus shared between two or more For the international community, the The three countries agree that the necessary work States. They are potential hotbeds of challenge is to help the countries to fill the Grand Renaissance Dam will commence after impact studies have been carried out tension in a global context of resource concerned reach balanced agreements. scarcity. “Water in itself is not a source of But this is no small task. Discussions often *At the time, this included South Sudan conflict,” says Frédéric Lasserre, professor drag on and on. The New York Convention **South Sudan joined this agreement in 2012 of geography at Laval University in Quebec on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses City (Canada), “but the rivalries caused of International Watercourses, signed by water sharing may combine with other in 1997, took 47 years to come into force thank you to the editorial Topographic profile of the Nile from the source of the Blue Nile sources of tension until they reach breaking because the 35 ratifications required staff of le monde and la vie Altitude ETHIOPIA SUDAN EGYPT point.” To put it plainly: the issue of water were not achieved before then. In 1999, a for anne guion’s article, taken (m) exacerbates existing conflicts. consultation body, the Nile Basin Initiative from the special edition l’atlas 2,000 Lake Tana, source Formation of the Nile at the confluence of the Blue Nile of the Blue Nile and White Nile Lake Nasser (NBI) was created. But its members de l’eau et des oceans published 1,500 Confluence with the Atbara Nile Delta This is the case in the Middle-East. At have still not been able to reach an in partnership with solidarites 1,000 Blue NIle (source in Ethiopia) Aswan Dam the heart of the tensions: the issue of agreement. The same is true for the Tigris international 500 Nile Khartoum 0 Cairo 0 km 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 Sources: M. Larbi Bouguerra, Confluences Méditerranée, Autumn 2010; Le Monde, 20 June 2013; 20 Monde, 2010; Le Autumn Méditerranée, Confluences M. Larbi Bouguerra, Sources: Areion/Capri; n° 12, 2012, 2009; Carto Delavilla, Éditions de l’eau, les Guerres Lasserre, F. AFP Aquastat; Bank; FAO, World Pnue, 2010; Atlas, Water Africa

2020 WATER BAROMETER 2020 WATER BAROMETER 6th edition march 2020 48 49 6th edition march 2020 SOLUTIONS & INNOVATIONS

BY FRANÇOIS MÜNGER, GENEVA WATER HUB DIRECTOR, WATER SECRETARIAT OF THE GLOBAL HIGH-LEVEL PANEL ON WATER AND PEACE BY AUDE LAZZARINI, CONSCIOUSNESS WASH TECHNICAL ADVISOR, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL MALI: TO SHAPE REDUCING THE CONFLICTS FUTURE SURROUNDING AND NIOKHOR NDOUR, AND EMMANUELLE MAISONNAVE, DAKAR WATER UNIT COORDINATOR DIPLOMACY WATER POINTS LEARNING OFFICER, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL

A source of insecurity and tension, the issue of shared and sustainable access to water will be at the heart of the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar in March 2021. It is a major challenge for humanity. SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL SEPARATING USES has been present in the Kidal region AND SECURING since 2013, where it carries out ACCESS TO WATER water point rehabilitation projects IN ALL SEASONS vital, limited and irreplaceable in infrastructure and the climate-related the promotion of an African solution that both to improve water access for AA resource, a fluid resource disruption of the water cycle are known takes into account local values. the population and also to reduce Since 2015, about fifty Improved Pastoral that cuts across sectoral and political factors in the escalation of water-use inter-community tensions. Hydraulic Systems (SHPA) have been boundaries, freshwater is both the rivalries. To respond to these factors, Making water the common denominator set up in the Kidal region. Water is condition for human development and we need to pursue developments and of the peace and security, development distributed at two levels: on the one hand the foundation for the stability of our initiatives for trans-border, inter-sectoral and humanitarian agendas requires the to standpipes for the local population’s civilizations. Between scarcity, conflict and inter-community management. establishment of operational dialogues n the Kidal region of northern domestic use (cooking, washing, drinking, and cooperation, the sustainable Agreements around basins and the between communities of expertise to II Mali, rainfall is very low, rivers are etc.), and on the other hand to water management of water resources is a management bodies that operate them define practical solutions. Just as the temporary and groundwater recharge is troughs to feed livestock. This separation major challenge for humanity. The work must view basins as backbones for Geneva Water Hub has been working on irregular. The quantity of water available ensures safer, better quality water, of the Global High-Level Panel on Water inter-sectoral, sustainable and equitable this issue since 2015 within International is generally insufficient, especially during since neither people nor animals are in and Peace has helped to position water development; this requires innovative Geneva, the Dakar Water Unit was created dry periods. Nomadic herders, local a position to pollute it, but also enables as a common issue on the peace, security public and private funding mechanisms in 2019 and embodies the political will herders and local populations must considerable time and energy savings (no and development agendas. Senegal that support common master plans. Ways to mobilize experts on these issues and therefore share the few water points more animal traction). Water is accessible has made a significant contribution to must be found to steer appearance- to support new professional vocations available. This creates tensions; all the to several users simultaneously, which this positioning, both as a co-sponsor focused societies towards the invisible around water. more so as the needs of the populations reduces tensions. In addition, each system country of the panel, and by organizing challenges of aquifers, which tend to are constantly increasing due to high has a solar-powered water tower with a the first UN Security Council dialogue on be overlooked in water management Our two organizations are participating population growth. Moreover, persistent capacity of 5 to 10 m3, which guarantees a INTERNATIONAL’s teams are continuing the connection between water, peace despite our crucial dependence on in the development of the World insecurity since the political and military regular water supply in all seasons. discussions with these communities to and security in November 2016; on these major water reserves. States have Observatory for Water and Peace. This crisis in 2012 has restricted mobility, find the most suitable approach. this occasion, more than 60 countries a major role to play in regulating the international mechanism, which stems disrupted transhumance routes, and COMMUNITY committed themselves to this politically often-divergent interests related to water. from the Panel’s recommendations, is therefore made water access even more INVOLVEMENT To help the population take ownership sensitive dynamic. In keeping with these Such regulations require the inclusion being deployed as a network of entities difficult. AND SHARED RULES of these water facilities, SOLIDARITÉS commitments, Senegal will host the 9th or strengthening of local arbitration and that have, on the one hand, the analytical INTERNATIONAL has also trained World Water Forum in 2021 on the theme negotiation mechanisms. This is all the capacities in water politics and, on the In response to these agro-pastoral issues, To ensure the durability of these systems, community representatives to deliver “Water Security for Peace and Sustainable more necessary because in many current other hand, the diplomatic skills and SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has and especially their regular maintenance messages to users about the region’s Development”. This Forum will also draw contexts it is important not to give way to neutrality to bring together stakeholders been working in the region since 2013 and appropriate protection, SOLIDARITÉS water resources, drinking water availability, on the valuable, long-term experience of violent political movements that exploit and address sensitive water-related and rehabilitating water points, with the INTERNATIONAL worked in partnership water treatment and conservation. Raising jointly managing the region’s large trans- tensions related to water and land. Access political issues. underlying objectives of contributing to with local associations. 24 of the water awareness concerning the shared rules border basins. to water is a constant source of tension the fight against malnutrition but also points are managed by management on water use and visits to water points between communities in the Sahelo- Constantly raising awareness concerning of reducing inter-community tensions committees (COGEPE), made up of 6 to 8 has contributed to a calmer atmosphere Discussing water security means Saharan region, as the Mauritanian Head water issues and their intrinsic nature in (between local herders and nomadic members. The contribution mechanisms between local populations and herders, acknowledging the growing complexity of of State pointed out during the 6th Dakar defining our possible future seems to us herders) and intra-community tensions (monthly flat rate, per-litre rate, etc.) some of whom say themselves that the managing a resource that is under stress Forum on Peace and Security in Africa. the necessary path to develop 21st century (between the various Arab communities, were discussed and chosen by the SHPA is a model that could be promoted and vulnerable to climate change. The Bamako Declaration on 29 November water diplomacy. Fulani, Tuareg, etc.) in connection with communities. At 14 water points, water throughout northern Mali. 2019 by the African Union on access to these water points. is distributed free of charge, since no The growing demand for water, the huge natural resources and conflicts between agreement is yet in place; SOLIDARITÉS increase in the pollution load, the gaps communities calls for joint reflection and

2020 WATER BAROMETER 2020 WATER BAROMETER 6th edition march 2020 50 51 6th edition march 2020 SOLUTIONS & INNOVATIONS

BY JAMES BROWN, OXFAM MONITORING THE A SOLAR PUMP KIT QUALITY OF WASH RESPONSES TO REDUCE A new coordinated approach ENVIRONMENTAL PAR JULIEN BARBIER, WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE ADVISOR AT SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, in partnership with UNICEF, OXFAM and Tufts University, is working to develop new IMPACT approaches to help WASH specialists to collectively monitor and manage the quality of their responses, within the framework of the international WASH cluster Quality Assurance and Accountability Project (QAAP). Today, with the increasing number of humanitarian crises and longer-term assistance operations, there is a tendency to question the strategies and methodologies used by humanitarian actors. When the COP25 in 2019 ended without any consensus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL umanitarian responses are (toilets built, water supplied, hygiene perspective, it’s unlikely that we are living recognized that its programs have a significant impact on the local natural resources that it seeks to protect HH increasingly complex and sessions held), but this produces a up to our humanitarian principles. for the most vulnerable populations. demanding contexts in which to work. Not distorted picture of the reality experienced only are crises becoming more protracted by the people we aim to support: building WHAT IS THE QAAP? and dynamic, but global expectations of toilets doesn’t always mean that people quality and accountability are growing feel safe enough to use them, or that there The aim of the project is to strengthen uring a humanitarian emergency, SOLIDARITÉS The design of the first two prototypes of this kit is due to be at a time when resources are as limited is a sustainable way to manage the faecal quality across WASH responses globally. DD INTERNATIONAL has set itself a 72-hour deadline finalized during 2020, with the aim of providing 15 litres of as ever. SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, sludge that they collect. We are developing approaches to to mobilize the necessary teams and equipment to provide drinking water per person per day for 200,000 people with no in partnership with UNICEF, OXFAM and response monitoring that can be used at access to water, wherever the disaster may occur. Initially, access to water, living in a remote area and cut off from energy Tufts University, is working to develop new INFORMATION the collective level to measure not only such interventions aim to meet the immediate needs of the supplies. To ensure that these kits are suitable for the responses approaches that help Water, Sanitation INNOVATION what is being done, but how it is being affected population, namely water, sanitation, food and shelter. we provide, the first two of them will be deployed by our teams and Hygiene (WASH) practitioners to done, what it is achieving, for whom and However, in many cases, this deadline cannot be met due to a on our current missions. collectively monitor and manage quality Advances in the way data can be when. A guidance note that is inspired lack of adequate infrastructure and an inexistant procurement across WASH responses, under the Global collected and analysed at scale provide by quality assurance systems used in market. The gradual loss of access to intervention areas due This project has also been supported by SOLIDARITÉS WASH Cluster’s Quality Assurance and opportunities for the way information industry will be complemented by a to deteriorating security conditions means that our teams are INTERNATIONAL’s logistics department, so as to take into Accountability Project (QAAP). is used to manage quality. This data monitoring framework that describes in very often obliged to rethink their operational approaches and account the increasingly complex constraints surrounding the can support teams to track indicators practical terms what should be measured constantly find new solutions to reach local populations. international deployment and transportation of equipment to WHY? over time, and to make evidence-based and how. We will continue to work closely field locations. In fact, the “last kilometre” before delivery has decisions. However, if we’re not collecting with national WASH Clusters/Sectors to Moreover, the water treatment kits that are generally used rely been one of the challenges faced by the whole design team. The WASH practitioners are under increasing the right data, analysing it effectively or understand how best to adapt to specific on fuel-powered generators for their electrical power. In addition growing number of attacks on humanitarian convoys, the near- pressure to demonstrate effectiveness, sharing the results, the volume of data can contexts and to ensure approaches are to the high running costs that this entails, there are also other total destruction of water infrastructure and the recurrent lack of efficiency and accountability to people quickly become overwhelming without put into practice. difficulties surrounding fuel supply, as well as their undeniably air transport have been some of the main constraints faced by affected by crisis. We know from after- adding value. negative impact on the environment. this project, which aims to adapt to all the situations that our NGO action evaluations that WASH responses We are currently working with four WASH has encountered over 40 years of humanitarian action. do not always maximize people’s use of A COORDINATED responses (Cox’s Bazaar, Myanmar, South Despite the development of photovoltaic technology in recent WASH services and sometimes generate APPROACH Sudan and Colombia) and plan to roll out years, in practice, when field teams set up projects, they lack This project, which is supported by SOLIDARITÉS relatively low levels of satisfaction. Often, further in 2020. sufficient knowledge to correctly scale and select solar power INTERNATIONAL as a whole, forms part of an international similar quality issues recur from one Response monitoring is an important equipment. Yet this energy source could provide an easy, approach to continuously reduce the use of fossil fuels. The response to another. function of national WASH Clusters By strengthening the way WASH competitive solution, especially in terms of maintenance costs impact of our action must be considered over the long term, so and their reporting is responsible for practitioners jointly collect, analyse and and low environmental impact. using free energy to deliver an essential resource for life reflects Despite the volume of new guidance identifying gaps in coverage and quality, use data to understand and manage the humanitarian principles that we defend. being produced, changing how we work informing strategy, and how resources are quality, we hope to give donors, national For this reason, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL launched a at the response level has been slow – it’s prioritized. The QAAP aims to streamline governments and colleagues in other photovoltaics research program in 2018, in partnership with the This project also shows SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s often unclear how different initiatives can how clusters routinely monitor outcome- sectors confidence that resources are Ecole Centrale Paris, Latitudes and Electriciens sans frontières commitment to meet future challenges by reducing the costs help us understand, monitor, and act on level progress, and ensure that the voices being managed effectively to deliver the (ESF), to develop a solar pump kit that was suitable for the and the environmental impact of humanitarian responses, while issues related to quality in a holistic way. of people affected by crisis are central right impact. More importantly, we must demanding intervention areas where our organization works, maintaining the quality of the services provided to populations in How can we change this? to understanding the situation on the work to give the people we aim to serve and that could be immediately deployed in response to major need. ground. confidence that WASH programming environmental or humanitarian crises. There is growing recognition that we carried out on their behalf will be higher need to be better at evidence-based This matters – when time and resources quality, better aligned with their needs programming, which requires tracking the are limited, we are biased towards and more responsive to their perspectives. impact of our work in a way that informs prioritizing the most visible problems. how we can design more responsive What gets measured, gets managed – to find out more services. Up to now, the focus of response without putting people first and monitoring or take part in the project: monitoring has been to track outputs effectiveness, equity, safety from their [email protected]

2020 WATER BAROMETER 2020 WATER BAROMETER 6th edition march 2020 52 53 6th edition march 2020 SOLUTIONS & INNOVATIONS

Sumita Bormon (in the center) relies on SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL teams to strengthen her community’s AN APPEAL TO FRENCH COMMUNITIES governance regarding water access. FROM SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL CITIZENS, ELECTED OFFICIALS: RALLY YOUR COMMUNITY AROUND THE CAUSE OF UNIVERSAL DRINKING WATER ACCESS!

A REPORT BY Of France’s 35,500 communities, only 200 are taking advantage of the Oudin-Santini Law SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL DHAKA: HELPING which allows local authorities to allocate 1% of water-related revenues to the funding of international projects aimed at providing clean drinking water: and this despite the initiative’s demonstrable human impact SLUM DWELLERS – at a negligible cost to community residents – since its inception nearly 15 years ago. EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT WITH CLOTILDE BERTET, The UN recognized access and water agencies to take funded projects (rehabilitation of water FIELD COMMUNICATION OFFICER, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL TO WATER to drinking water and sanitation action, using the Oudin-Santini networks, support for local governance, as a Human Right in 2010. Law to fund international creation of water point management In several slums of the in community associations to claim this other CSO representatives supported by development projects aimed committees), but also on the funding Bangladeshi capital, SOLIDARITÉS right. However, they lack the technical SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, Sumita Yet the sad fact is that 10 years later, at providing sustainable communities themselves (community- INTERNATIONAL teams help local knowledge and support they need Bormon has become a trusted focal 2.2 billion people throughout the world aid to the most vulnerable wide mobilization, enhanced awareness of populations to strengthen their to assert their claims and make them point in her slum. This process not only still do not have access to clean drinking populations. In total, local water resources, etc.). governance regarding their claims succeed. Especially since the local encourages local communities to take water and 4.2 billion lack safe sanitation 28.2 million euros have been and access to drinking water, authorities do not have the capacity care of themselves, but also ensures facilities. Nearly half of those who fall raised, although this figure has SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL sanitation, hygiene, and waste and resources to improve and extend that they will continue to benefit from victim to these insanitary living conditions fallen in comparison to 2017. wishes to express its deepest treatment. coverage of basic services to these expertise once the project is completed. are children under the age of 5, those gratitude to the local authorities unhealthy and overcrowded areas. most vulnerable to waterborne diseases Established in 2005, though still and regional water agencies Dilip Kumar, another CSO representative, like cholera and diarrhoea. Women are underused and lacking in visibility, the that have stood by its side This is why SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is a local figure from the Vagolpur also particularly badly affected: one in Oudin-Santini Law allows French local since 1998. ince the beginning of the has been working in 10 slums spread Jelepara slum. His family has been living three women worldwide is at risk of being authorities as well as regional water SS century, Dhaka has seen across 8 Dhaka neighbourhoods since there for three generations. He testifies attacked or feeling ashamed because authorities and agencies to devote The humanitarian NGO now calls on the its population explode. Today, the January 2018, to build up the capacity to the many positive changes brought they do not have safe access to toilets. up to 1% of their water and sanitation rest of France’s 35,500 local authorities Bangladeshi capital city has a population of civil society organizations (CSOs) to about by the project. “Our neighbourhood budgets to funding for international to join in this spirit of solidarity and help of over 18 million, and this figure is not advocate and take action for their access is visibly cleaner. We have achieved daily According to the most recent humanitarian projects in these sectors. achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: likely to decrease any time soon. Every to safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, garbage collection and paved the main count (2018), these catastrophic Despite its negligible cost to residents a world in which all can enjoy the Human year, more people migrate to Dhaka to and waste treatment. This governance square of the slum, which had always statistics have prompted of participating communities, this aid Right to clean drinking water by 2030! flee poverty and repeated flooding in project is funded by the European Union been muddy and a source of disease. New over 200 French local has a considerable, virtuous human the country’s rural areas. Most of them and the AGIR Foundation, and is expected toilets and filters have also been installed. authorities, water groups impact not only on the beneficiaries of settle in slums, where access to water to benefit a total of 60,000 people by 2021. Families are much more aware, in terms of and electricity is difficult or non-existent. using water: they boil it before drinking it or Due to insalubrious pipes, pollution or Sumita Bormon is one of the first women cooking it”. abandoned infrastructures, the families to become a CSO representative in living in these slums use and consume the Vagolpur Jelepara slum in Dhaka. Ultimately, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL ““THETHE FIRSTFIRST RESPONSERESPONSE poor-quality water. She is regularly trained and advised by aims to leave it to CSOs to organize TO HUMAN SUFFERING SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’s teams themselves. But in the meantime, the TO HUMAN SUFFERING In 2010, the United Nations recognized concerning access to water, sanitation NGO’s teams continue to ensure regular MUSTMUST BEBE SOLIDARITY.SOLIDARITY.”” access to safe drinking water and and hygiene, and also on water safety monitoring to increase the self-sufficiency sanitation as a universal Human Right. and waste management. “I convey of CSOs and respond to persistent Several inhabitants of the Dhaka slums information to the slum dwellers. I help problems. have therefore decided to group together answer their questions,” she says. Like

2020 WATER BAROMETER 2020 WATER BAROMETER 6th edition march 2020 54 55 6th edition march 2020 SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION (SDG 6)

N°2 Organize a summit between the Heads of State of Sahel countries, which are among the worst affected by lack of drinking water and sanitation, to draw up an action plan that will have a rapid and sustainable impact.

N°3 Invite local actors and representatives of the most vulnerable communities in Africa to the World Water Forum, so that they can express their difficulties.

N°4 Organize a conference for field operators with the objective of boosting complementarity between humanitarian action and development.

N°5 Advocate for a strong final political declaration at the World Water Forum, prepared at the intergovernmental level by Senegal and France with as many nations as possible, in order to provide practical responses to urgent needs.

N°6 Look beyond traditional analytical frameworks, break down the barriers between the specialist fields of various actors, and review the characteristics of funding to make it more sustainable and flexible, with greater emphasis on integrated approaches.

N°7 Ensure that water and sanitation are systematically included in all assessments and in the preparation of every response.

N° 8 Apply systemic and situational analysis frameworks that include the analysis of criteria on deteriorating contexts.

N° 9 Develop dynamic, integrated, multi-actor, multi-annual responses that anticipate and adapt to deteriorations (or improvements) in contexts.

N° 10 Identify, integrate and support the scaling-up of “low-tech” innovative solutions, to improve the impact of our interventions.