aqua & waste International GmbH attended German Water Partnerships (GWP) 10th annual conference
Water management fights against refugee crisis
++ GWP turns urgent appeal on politics during the 10th annual conference ++
Water shortage, which is rising globally, is one of the diverse reasons of hunger, war and refuge seeking. The German Water Partnership (GWP) is expanding its engagement in order to counteract this problem. The network, consisting of 350 companies and scientific institutions as members of German water-sector, presented a guideline with the title of “Fight against refugee crisis causes – German water management on site” at the GWP annual conference on the 16th of May, 2017.
Fight against refugee crisis causes: Gunda Röstel
“We have to deal with water shortage in so many parts of the world in order to prevent the refugee crisis”, reported Gunda Röstel, CEO of the German Water Partnership. “Important activities have been identified and are already being implemented by our members all around the world”. These activities include promising measures such as transferring knowledge to the water experts on-site as well as creating sustainable technologies and business partnerships.
Wastewater treatment plant in the Republic of Rwanda: Immediate actions needs rapid financing.
“We are ready, now the politics needs to go on”, says Gunda Röstel. To realize a fast implementation, it is also important to establish new ways of financing in addition to the current development assistance. Therefore, it could be useful to realize regional oriented financing funds with a small administrative expense. With this concept, a transparent, efficient and fast access and control would be possible in all areas of operation. In the context of progressive climate change, the main focus has to be put on the early detection, prevention and capacity building.
Suggestions for the politics are discussed with Thomas Silberhorn.
The suggestions were discussed with Thomas Silberhorn, who is the parliamentary secretary of the German federal ministry of economic cooperation and development (BMZ) as well as with Dr. Christoph Beier, deputy chairman of the board of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) Ltd. at the GWP-conference.
“The competition for using water has been leading to serious conflicts in arid countries and regions in the globe for centuries”, reminds secretary of state Thomas Silberhorn. “Investments in a better water resources management are direct prevention measures from conflicts which eventually will lead to a decrease of refugee seekers. In order to achieve this we want to and also need to integrate the private sector more than it is done at the moment”.
Dr. Christoph Beier from the GIZ emphasized: “To deal with the increasing challenges of the global water supply, the development partnership is dependent on practical experienced specialists. In this field, German water management is in high demand to integrate their competence even further.”
Further information: German Water Partnership