As countries brace for the escalating impacts of climate change on water, sanitation and hygiene systems, it has never been more urgent to create robust policy and action. This guidance outlines key factors to integrate water, sanitation and hygiene in national climate plans and why it is critical to our ability to adapt to the effects of climate change.
WaterAid has put together guidance to assess the integration of climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in climate policy using five criteria:
- A consultative and inclusive NDC and NAP development process that considers the active participation of those who are marginalised or most vulnerable
- Gender-responsive WASH targets and indicators that prioritise the needs of women and girls who are worst affected by changes in the availability of clean water and by unsafe sanitation facilities
- Fully costed WASH interventions that reflect the extent of the resources required and potential sources of funding – domestic or external
- The integration of WASH interventions across sectors, reflecting the adaptation benefits of climate-resilient WASH services and systems
- NDC and NAP targets that are aligned with the Global Goal on Adaptation thematic targets.
This guidance is aimed at those involved in their country’s process for updating climate policies, NAPs or NDCs. It provides basic guidance on how to integrate water, sanitation and hygiene in NAPs and NDCs and is based on the assessment of NAPs and NDCs in nine WaterAid countries: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Niger and Pakistan.
Use the link below to access the full guidance document, associated toolkit, and brief.