WSPs in rural settings Using WSPs as a tool for mobilising rural communities Margriet Samwel WECF

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

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

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 does not lead to action from local citizens and authorities • The Protocol on W&H and WSP are not known at local level

5. Protocol on W&H Article 4 GENERAL PROVISIONS 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;

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

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

8. WECF recognises opportunities of WSP • 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 • The approach of safety plans can be transferred to other systems such as management of rainwater, wastewater, surface waters and sanitation systems

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. 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. September 2008Start WSPs in 10 schools in Moldova & Romania Findings: • High acceptance and enthusiasmfor developing WSP with children and citizens among teachers • 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 • 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 precipitation

13. Example of mapping nitrate in wellsBelarus, Ecoproject

14. Example of monitoring seasonal fluctuation

15. Example: health and water questionnaire

16. What will be done with the results? • Awareness raising on local and regional (national) level Maps, poster, reports, presentation, exhibition • 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 • Improving the WSP manual for schools • Replication of WSP at schools in 10 EECCA countries

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