Participation is a central element in realizing the human rights to water and sanitation and key to inclusive, equitable and sustainable services. People are at the core of Sustainable Development.
SDG 6.B calls for the support for and strengthening of the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management. The SDGs strive for a socially and environmentally just world in which all people can live a life in dignity. Participation of all stakeholders is key to achieving sustainble results in water, sanitation, health or any other project that aims to improve a public service. Not only citizens themselves must participate because it is about their lives and their future. They are not just “clients”. Also other stakeholders like workers and civil servants must be involved and must participate in decision making processes. It’s not that they just have to do their “job”. The way a public service such as water supply or sanitation is designed, determines to a large extend the chances of acceptance, understanding, cooperation, maintenance, and “willingness to pay” of the population.
Participation goes beyond asking what people want. It is about finding the right balance between service provision, legal framework, public health, redistribution of wealth and sustainability in a holistic perspective.
We have experience in ensuring participation and participatory, multistakeholder processes, building partnerships, and special expertise in ‘worker participation’. Read more >