Source - International News
World Water Forums: seeking sustainable water management solutions
14 May 12
In March 2012, two global but contrasting forums in search of sustainable solutions to the water crisis took place in Marseilles, France. The realisation of the human right to water and sanitation was prominent in the declarations of the both the 6th World Water Forum (WWF) and the Alternative World Water Forum (FAME 2012). While the WWF was home to the water and development industry, FAME 2012 gave a voice to the uncompromising group of anti-privatisation water activists.
Developing countries and donors agree to tackle the water and sanitation crisis
26 Apr 12
Ministerial delegations from 40 countries have announced serious commitments to tackle the global water and sanitation crisis. Developing countries have promised that they will provide safe drinking water to 60 million more people and improved sanitation to another 80 million within two years. The governments of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom announced that they will collaborate to also get water and sanitation to millions of people.
Linking water and food security on World Water Day 2012 – Food security begins at home
21 Mar 12
On a day when the UN is highlighting water and food security, the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre is calling for policy changes to promote the use of water at home to boost people’s livelihoods. Homestead-level, small-scale production from livestock and vegetable gardens make a difference for millions of poor families. IRC and partner organisations are pressing for the value of water use for food and income at household level to be accorded greater recognition and reflected in byelaws and local policies, as well as in the implementation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes.
Study quantifies link between poor sanitation and child, maternal mortality
17 Feb 12
In countries with the poorest sanitation, child mortality is nearly 7 times higher than in countries with the best access to sanitation. This is one of the findings of a new study by Canadian-based researchers who say they are the first to quantify the impact of unsafe water and poor sanitation on child and maternal mortality.
Towards better monitoring: taking drinking water equity, safety and sustainability into account
07 Jan 12
While current figures indicate that access to improved drinking water has increased from 77 per cent to 87 per cent between 1990 and 2008, the real percentage of people with sustainable access to safe drinking water is likely to be significantly lower. This is one of the conclusions of a new report that the UNICEF/WHO Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation (JMP) released on 20 December 2011.
Monitoring: new tools meet demand for more transparency in the water sector
16 Nov 11
Water NGOs are leading the way in promoting new monitoring tools. A Child’s Right has launched an online monitoring system called Proving It and FLOW, a mobile phone tool developed by Water For People, is being widely used in West …
Drawing the threads together: sustainable services and behaviour changes
08 Nov 11
Agencies, donors and NGOs alike need to regard sustainability as a critical mission and to re-think fundamentally their role in the sector, conclude the organisers of the WASH Conference 2011. The conference, which was held in Brisbane, Australia, from 16-20 …
Higher water tariffs are associated with lower water loss
02 Nov 11
“Our Smart Water Networks Forum is aiming to help water utilities do the right thing: investing in operation and maintenance and sustainability of their data-driven smart water networks and not only focusing on pipe and pumps”, Smart Water Networks Forum …
Prioritise slum dwellers for water and sanitation investment, says WaterAid manifesto
28 Oct 11
Investment in water and sanitation in the rapidly urbanising cities of the developing world is key if we are to avoid uncontrollable poverty and ever worsening slums, says WaterAid in a manifesto released on 3 October 2011.
“Clean hands save lives”: Global Handwashing Day 2011 celebrated by millions of people worldwide
28 Oct 11
Millions of people across the globe celebrated the 4th annual Global Handwashing Day on 15 October 2011, emphasising the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective, simple, and affordable way to prevent disease.
