The backlog in sanitation normally refers to the low coverage of sanitation infrastructure, but is also rooted in the huge lack of capacity at all levels. Thus, capacity development for more sustainable practices in sanitation is urgently needed especially due to the system complexity resulting from the many sectors and authority levels involved. The potential benefits of sustainable sanitation systems in terms of health, improved livelihood, environmental protection, water savings, simplicity, nutrient recovery and energy savings need to be conveyed to all stakeholders.

Governments need to be aware of the importance and the benefits of sustainable sanitation. So as to show leadership, to plan for and allocate the resources required, and to allow the creation of an enabling environment across sectors - health, infrastructure, water, environment, agriculture, and education. The civil society needs to have the capacities to ensure that sustainable sanitation is put on the local political and development agenda. Local governments, planners and the private sector need technical and managerial capacities in order to implement sustainable sanitation. Furthermore, university curricula need to be developed to build up professional capacity in sustainable sanitation.

This working group aims to create a global network to strategically accelerate and influence the capacity development process in the sanitation sector.

Leads

The leads for this working group are Dorothee Spuhler and Halidou Koanda:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it seecon gmbh Switzerland This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it WaterAid Burkina Faso

 

How to join the working group?

Individuals who are not yet registered, but are interested in joining the thematic working group, are very welcome. Please register as a member and choose the respective working group(s) you wish to join: http://susana.org/index.php/lang-en/component/register/?view=member If you are already registered, but wish to join another or more working group(s), you can easily change the details by logging in here: http://www.susana.org/lang-en/your-details Why become a member of a working group? You can work with other experts on several issues to promote sustainable sanitation You will gain access to information on working group processes You can be active by hosting SuSanA meetings and/or by organising activities/events to promote sustainable sanitation You can take part in discussions within the working group by using the e-mail mailing list This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Note that this e-mail list is moderated in order to avoid spam. You can join and take part in stimulating discussions on the SuSanA Discussion Forum in the WG 1 section