Our environmental approach:
Protecting the environment means all the concrete measures and actions taken with the aim of limiting the impact of human activities that damage, harm or alter the physical, chemical and biological environment (pollution, noise, destruction of biodiversity and so on).
Today more than 2 billion people live in countries under water stress, a phenomenon that climate change and population growth are expected to worsen in some regions. Taking the environment into account is essential in order to set up projects with a lasting positive impact. According to the WHO, improving water supply and sanitation, together with better management of water resources, can support countries' economic growth and contribute significantly to reducing poverty.
As a humanitarian NGO, it is essential to place environmental protection at the heart of our work, both in our projects and at the association's head office. Humanitarian aid mostly takes place in developing countries, in contexts of acute or chronic crisis. Yet there is inequity in the distribution and use of natural resources. Emerging countries, and disadvantaged people in particular, are more affected by environmental degradation because they often depend directly on natural resources and ecosystem services (natural water purification, climate regulation, pollination and so on) for their livelihoods. The communities humanitarian NGOs work with frequently contend with contaminated water, poor air quality and hazardous chemicals. They are also particularly vulnerable to natural hazards (floods, drought, tsunami, earthquakes, attacks by crop pests) and to environment-related conflict.
Depending on the partners and territories concerned, several improvements can be applied within HAMAP-Humanitaire's projects:
- Carry out an environmental assessment for every project.
- Set up more integrated projects, including agricultural issues, using innovative techniques.
- Define objectives, impact indicators and tools specifically dedicated to environmental issues.
- Systematically include environmental aspects in awareness raising with communities in water and sanitation projects.
- Consider upstream protection systems and alternative ways of accessing the resource.
A few examples of innovative techniques…
Recovering organic waste or reusing wastewater should, where possible, become a strand of our projects. In sanitation, recovering sludge involves setting up treatment plants or drying beds, which are often costly. But natural methods are emerging and have already proved themselves, such as planted filters. This installation relies on a filter made of gravel and multiple roots, allowing wastewater and sludge from latrines and handwashing stations to be reused and turned into water clean enough for drip market gardening. Another treatment solution our teams are currently studying is the installation of biodigesters, particularly in schools. This consists of a tank installed below ground level, fed by water and sludge from the latrines along with organic waste. Biogas is created by the decomposition of organic waste and inputs, and can supply kitchens and so potentially school canteens with gas. As well as creating a lasting answer to problems of access to resources, it relieves people of part of their search for water, or for wood to cook with.