Guidelines on the setting of targets, evaluation of progress and reporting under the Protocol on Water and Health

The UNECE/WHO-Europe Protocol on Water and Health has been negotiated specifically to ensure, by linking water management and health issues, the supply of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for everyone. Its main aim is to protect human health and well-being through preventing, controlling and reducing water-related diseases and through improving water management. Setting targets and review and assessment of progress, as defined in Articles 6 and 7 of the Protocol, are the backbone for action to reach the Protocol’s objectives.

The Guidelines on the Setting of Targets, Evaluation of Progress and Reporting are an important tool supporting the process of target setting to implement the key provisions of the Protocol. They illustrate the steps that need to be taken and the aspects to be considered when setting targets, implementing relevant measures and assessing and reporting on the progress achieved. The Guidelines seek to provide a strategic framework for the target-setting process. As targets need to be tailored to Parties' needs and capacities from the health, environmental, social and economic points of view, the Guidelines provide an analytical and strategic basis to design and agree on the most appropriate targets and on the ways and means to achieve them. They   are based on existing good practices and experience of the Protocol’s Parties and as such, illustrate a variety of possible targets that can be set in accordance with the Protocol. The Guidelines aim to   provide a source of inspiration, information and assistance to countries that are currently undergoing or will go through the process of target setting.

The preparation of the publication was supported by the Federal Office of Public Health, Switzerland.

ECE/MP.WH/5