1. WSPs in rural settings Using WSPs as a tool for mobilising rural communities Margriet Samwel WECF WWF - Istanbul 17.03.2009 www.wecf.eu

2. 2 Outline Background: Why WSPs in rural settings? Background: Why WSPs in rural settings? Stakeholder analysis Stakeholder analysis A new approach of WSPs for small scale water supply systems A new approach of WSPs for small scale water supply systems Experiences with WSPs for schools Experiences with WSPs for schools Conclusion and demands for scaling-up Conclusion and demands for scaling-up

3. WECF projects on Water and Sanitation in cooperation with local NGOs in rural areas in 13 countries Afghanistan Afghanistan Armenia Armenia Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Belarus Belarus Bulgaria Bulgaria Georgia Georgia Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Moldova Moldova Romania Romania Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Tajikistan Tajikistan Ukraine Ukraine

4. 4 Experiences in WECF projects in rural areas In rural settings the drinking water quality often does not meet the requirements of the EU Drinking Water Directive Extremely high concentrations of nitrate and bacteria are found Pollution is mostly caused by local human activities Low awareness on local level Problem identification Problem identification does not lead to action from local citizens and authorities The Protocol on W&H and WSP are not known at local level

5. 5 2. The Parties shall, in particular, take all appropriate measures for the purpose of ensuring: (a) Adequate supplies of wholesome drinking water which is free from any micro-organisms, parasites and substances...... This shall include the protection of water resources which are used as sources of drinking water, treatment of water and the establishment, improvement and maintenance of collective systems; Protocol on W&H Article 4 GENERAL PROVISIONS

6. 6 Example of Example of rural network diagram Institutional structures National level: drinking water directive Regional level: Implementation Environmental-health authorities- laboratories Local health centre Mayor School NGO Community Public Wells Individual Wells Citizens

7. 7 Some key problems in rural setting No strategy for local water protection or recovery of water quality No strategy for local water protection or recovery of water quality Usually maintenance and operation are the responsibility of the mayor Usually maintenance and operation are the responsibility of the mayor If done- regional authorities check only the drinking water quality If done- regional authorities check only the drinking water quality Low level of communication between the authorities of different disciplines Low level of communication between the authorities of different disciplines Staff of public utilities is subject of political change Staff of public utilities is subject of political change Small settlements have no priority in national or regional water programmes Small settlements have no priority in national or regional water programmes

8. 8 WSP can be developed for small scale water supply systems WSP can be developed for small scale water supply systems WSP can be used as a tool for involvement and mobilisation of communities and all stakeholders WSP can be used as a tool for involvement and mobilisation of communities and all stakeholders The approach of safety plans can be transferred to other systems such as management of rainwater, wastewater, surface waters and sanitation systems The approach of safety plans can be transferred to other systems such as management of rainwater, wastewater, surface waters and sanitation systems WECF recognises opportunities of WSP

9. 9 What we did: Adaptation of the WSP approach for small scale water supplies to schoolchildren Development of: Manual in local language - Introduction of WSP - Background information for teachers - Suggestions for activities - Questionnaires for different stakeholders - Checklists for supply systems - Examples of mapping findings - Forms for reporting results Toolbox WSP for schools - Tools for water test- nitrate, organoleptic - Poster - Manual http://www.wecf.de/english/publications/2008/wspmanual-romania.php

10. 10 Introduction of WSP in villages and training of teachers Introduction Public - school meetings Testing nitrates in drinking water Providing information about the WSP Workshops - training of teachers: Identification and selection of the activities and responsibilities

11. 11 September 2008 Start WSPs in 10 schools in Moldova & Romania Findings: High acceptance and enthusiasm for developing WSP with children and citizens among teachers All involved schools created a suitable action plan for developing a WSP All involved schools created a suitable action plan for developing a WSP Schools have a high potential for mobilisation, cooperation with all stakeholders and for awareness raising on all levels Schools have a high potential for mobilisation, cooperation with all stakeholders and for awareness raising on all levels WSP at schools create a high ownership for environmental issues WSP at schools create a high ownership for environmental issues

12. Involving schools in nitrate monitoring Mapping of nitrate pollution in village Monitoring the seasonal fluctuation of nitrate Tools: Nitrate quick test - Thermometer - Measuring cup for precipitationTools: Nitrate quick test - Thermometer - Measuring cup for precipitation

13. 13 Example of mapping nitrate in wells Example of mapping nitrate in wells Belarus, Ecoproject

14. Example of monitoring seasonal fluctuation

15. 15 Example: health and water questionnaire

16. 16 What will be done with the results? Awareness raising on local and regional (national) level Awareness raising on local and regional (national) level Maps, poster, reports, presentation, exhibition Maps, poster, reports, presentation, exhibition Community based development of plans for improvement of access to safe water and minimising the health risks: Community based development of plans for improvement of access to safe water and minimising the health risks: Making work plan - timetable - budget- business plan Advocacy for access to safe drinking water Advocacy for access to safe drinking water Improving the WSP manual for schools Improving the WSP manual for schools Replication of WSP at schools in 10 EECCA countries Replication of WSP at schools in 10 EECCA countries

17. 17 Conclusion and demands for scaling up WSP can be used as an instrument for mobilising communities and authorities on all levels Developing WSP at schools should be included in the regular curriculum WSP programme could bridge a divide between local communities and the implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health Involvement of the civil society/NGOs can increase the process of guiding the Protocol on Water and Health from the top to the bottom

18. Thank you for your attention! v www.wecf.eu vvvv