Addressing WASH Challenges Through Water Stewardship

Safe drinking-water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is essential for human health, well-being and the creation of water-resilient communities. The United Nations warns that we are seriously off track to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6: safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.

One of the significant challenges to WASH are the risks posed by a changing climate, with Pacific Island nations among the most vulnerable. Sea level rise, cyclones, storms, heavy rainfall and flooding, threatens access to safe and equitable WASH services in the region.

To help address WASH challenges, a water stewardship approach involving collaboration with government, utilities, NGOs, businesses and communities is needed. Water stewardship also provides a framework to identify challenges in water governance, quality, quantity and socially and culturally important water-related areas. This method can foster community ownership, leverage expertise and contribute to resilient and equitable water management in the region.

As water stewardship practitioners, Cress Consulting is well positioned to identify and help you assess and address water-related challenges with consideration to the effects of climate change.

Contact us if you would like to know more.