The World is facing unprecedented humanitarian needs.
Today’s humanitarian crisis tend to be larger in number, more often in urban settings, longer in duration and broader in regional impact.
They generate human sufferings on a greater scale, disrupting essential services, such as energy, water supply and sanitation, putting health of large population groups at risk.
Engineers and other expert specialists in water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, energy and environment, are playing a vital role to respond to these challenges and consistently growing needs beyond.
This site pretends to be a guiding body of knowledge for Public Health Engineers in the field, as well as for organisations in humanitarian sector, and anyone interested in WASH.
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Main purpose is educational and non-profit, exchanging innovative ideas between the WASH Community members thus reaching a more Sustainable , Water & Sanitation Management, focusing on international WATSAN emergency interventions in humanitarian contexts, post-conflict and development projects.
The goal is to "Learn, Grow & Share", together.​
Watsan matters project is an integrated WASH Knowledge Management System, with powerful searching tools :
Why Public Health Engineering matters ?
Source : ICRC©-Eawag©-EPFL©.
Responding to emergencies.
Source : ICRC©.
** The costs of unsafe water :
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2.2 billion people do not have access to clean water at home.
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2.3 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services, such as toilets or latrines.
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Worldwide, over 80 % of all wastewater returns to the environment without being treated.
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Every day, more than 800 children under five years of age die from diarrhoea caused by dirty water.
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700 million people worldwide could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030.
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Source : https://www.oxfam.org/en/what-we-do/issues/water-and-sanitation
** Water risks and resilience :
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As climate change is projected to result in more intense droughts and floods, the protection and sustainable use of water resources is fundamental to deal with the climate and environmental emergency and build resilience. Comprehensive risk management, integrated policy making and unlocking finance mechanisms are key for achieving multiple benefits and enabling better water outcomes, including through nature-based solutions.
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1.4 Billion affected
At least 1.4 billion people have been affected by droughts and 1.6 billion by floods between 2000 and 2019. (World Bank, 2021). -
83% Loss
Freshwater biodiversity and species populations have been lost at a rate of 83% since the 1970s, faster than any other ecosystem being monitored. (WWF, 2022). -
Doubling of deaths
Water related disaster deaths have more than doubled in the last 10 years and nearly 95% of infrastructure loss and damage reported between 2010 to 2019 were due to water-related disasters. (Sendai Framework Monitor). -
US$ 115B in losses
In the last 50 years, floods led to economic losses of US$ 115 billion, while droughts led to the largest human losses causing 650.000 deaths. (UNCCD, 2022).​
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Making a difference together.
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The preservation of our natural environment and counteracting climate change are important tasks that affect us all.
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We can make positive changes through our individual actions and every step, no matter how small, contributes to positive development.
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But our influence extends far beyond individual contributions.
By working together and supporting each other, we can initiate great change.
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You too can play an active role in shaping it.
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Engage locally: Take part in local environmental campaigns, such as clean-up or planting campaigns, and attend events focused on sustainability, and climate protection in your city or town.
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Be part of a community: Join organizations or initiatives committed to environmental protection. This way, you become part of a larger movement.
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Support sustainable companies: Make a conscious decision to choose products and services from companies that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
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Advocate for change: Get involved in promoting environmentally friendly measures in your community or with political representatives - whether through signature campaigns or by seeking dialogue.
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Network: Exchange ideas with others, share your thoughts and think together about how you can make a difference.
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Share your knowledge: Host or attend workshops, lectures or films screenings to learn more about environmental and climate issues and spread the word.
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Support environmental education: Promote educational programs that teach children and adults the importance of environmental and climate protection.
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Take care of yourself: Allow yourself time out to recharge your batteries.
There are many ways to get involved and it´s inspiring to see more and more people working together towards a sustainable future.
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Find the path that suits you and take it step by step.
Every effort counts - in your own way.