Water supply and sanitation facilities are closely linked to the natural environment. Water sources rely on adequate quantities of good quality water. Poor sanitation can damage those water sources. Inappropriate vector control can actively disrupt local ecology. Some of the ways of reducing these impacts, such as recycling solid waste, are very difficult in humanitarian contexts, which may take resources away from lifesaving WASH services. Best practice in providing WASH services can reduce some damage, but some environmental protection actions have more impact than others. Learning what actions to prioritize to protect the environment can minimise adverse impacts without excessive costs. Some impacts are outside the control of the WASH sector. Where displaced people settle is often decided before WASH staff are involved. Limited water resources, poor drainage and difficult ground conditions have to be managed as they cannot be avoided by this stage. This is an in-person training in Bochum (Germany).

The training is part of AHA's certification scheme and can be credited towards a Certificate of Advanced Studies in "Foundations of Humanitarian Action".

You will learn:

1. How to describe common environmental impacts due to WASH actions
2. How to identify positive actions to mitigate adverse impacts
3. How to explain how these impacts are caused
4. How to present possible environmental improvements

Target group:

Staff of humanitarian NGOs with several years of professional experience in WASH