The work on climate change under the Protocol, led by Italy and the Netherlands, is aimed at increasing resilience in the water, sanitation and health sectors. Activities support preparedness and response to water-related disasters, extreme events and other climate change-induced effects at the policy, strategic and practitioner levels.
The work under the Protocol requires an intersectoral approach, engaging water, climate and public health authorities and expertise. The community of practice established under this programme area is therefore well positioned to address common priorities and ensure that these translate into clear action-oriented policies. Climate experts are encouraged to work closely with existing Protocol's focal points responsible for environment, water and health.
Future activities contained in the 2023-2025 programme of work under the Protocol include:
- Development of technical guidelines/collection of good practices on strengthening climate resilience of water and sanitation sectors and across other relevant sectors;
- National capacity building activities, including support for climate-sensitive targets on water, sanitation, hygiene and health;
- Recommendations on how to streamline Protocol-related processes with global and regional climate processes, such as the development of National Adaptation Plans;
- Events at regional and subregional levels on strengthening the climate resilience of the water and sanitation sectors and services, including preparing for and responding to extreme weather events;
- Development of a document or tool on financing climate-resilient drinking water and sanitation services, including in relation to investment planning.
Latest meetings and events:
- Strategic Roundtable on Increasing Resilience to Climate Change in the Water and Sanitation Sector (Geneva, 13-14 November 2023)
- Global workshop on building climate resilience through improving water management and sanitation at national and transboundary levels, joint event with the Water Convention (29-31 March 2021)
Guidance documents:
- Strengthening climate resilience in the drinking water and sanitation sector through the Protocol on Water and Health - Draft Strategic paper prepared by the University of Bristol, with support of the UNECE-WHO/Europe secretariat
- Background Note on Increasing Resilience to Climate Change through the Protocol on Water and Health – presenting an overview of how the Protocol’s framework, areas of work and tools can support climate sensitive action in the water and sanitation sector
- Guidance on water supply and sanitation in extreme weather events - reviewing experience and good practices in the pan-European region and describing how adaptation polices should consider risks arising from extreme weather events, how vulnerabilities can be identified and which management procedures can be applied.