Sector synergies

While in many countries reaching the MDG targets for WASH, especially sanitation, is still a huge challenge, concerns about pollution and depletion of nutrients clearly indicate the need to go a step further to achieve environmentally sound sanitation. There are therefore potential synergies with the Agriculture and Renewable Energy sectors, in particular in the field of productive sanitation and resource-oriented sanitation solutions. Furthermore, water scarcity is one of the causes of failure of water supply services, in particular in dry areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

This links to REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and payment for environmental services initiatives. In general, attention is given to the question of how economic growth can be sustainable in the context of the conflicting demands on natural resources (water, land, energy) posed by issues like climate change, population pressure and urbanisation.