Nature-based solutions for water management and WASH
Delivered by: International WaterCentre, Australian Rivers Institute (Griffith University), Institute for Sustainable Futures-UTS, WaterAid, Water for Women
Water security is a critical ecosystem service provided to humans from nature. It requires healthy water cycles and attached ecosystems, and it requires recognising that water systems stretch beyond source-to-tap, and catchment-based approaches, that recognize the connected nature of water systems. This is increasingly critical as climate change continues to exacerbate already stressed water ecosystems.
Water management and WASH policies and programs are therefore shifting to embrace nature-based approaches to ensure water security. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are actions that work with natural systems and processes to restore and protect ecosystems, whilst also delivering water and WASH outcomes for humans. Many nature-based approaches are not new, and have been used in adhoc ways for many years. However, with the recognition of the need for nature-based systems and approaches to underpin climate-resilient water security outcomes, there is a resurgence in applying this concept for water security outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
With the increased recognition of the importance of nature and ecosystems services, this training workshop will explore the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) applied to water security and WASH. In particular, we will:
- Explore how natural processes underpin water security, using the ADB Water Security framework as an example
- Discuss the application of nature-based solutions to WASH programs with some case study examples
- Explore the Building Catchment Resilience program as an example of applying nature-based solutions to water management
