UArctic - University of the Arctic

The Arctic WASH Thematic Network deals with documentation of status and development of solutions concerning the technical challenges related to Water, Sewer and Health (WASH) in remote Arctic communities. The small communities in the Arctic region are experiencing significant deficits in their water supply situation, compromising their human right to water and the UN SDG 6 goals on water and sanitation. Likewise, the Arctic region shows significant deficits in wastewater management compared to the Arctic states overall.

Climate, geography and logistics in the region renders most commercial and conventional solutions unfit, thus innovation and research are needed to improve the situation.

Future developments due to global climate change, population growth, urbanization and economic development in sectors such as tourism, resource extraction, and transportation that create new challenges in relation to water and wastewater handling, pollution and human health will only increase this need.

Goals

Engage in discussions with communities and decision makers on topics related to water and sanitation in the Arctic region e.g. by. organization of workshops and meetings.
Engage in research projects to document the status of Arctic water, sanitation and related health and environmental issues.
Exchange knowledge across the Arctic region on solutions to challenges related to water and sanitation service deficits.
Engage in research and innovation projects to develop new solutions to improve water and sanitation service, health and environment.
Increase global and national awareness of deficiencies related to water and sanitation in the Arctic regions.
Build competences in local communities to overcome challenges related to water and sanitation service, health and environment.
Educate the next generation to understand Arctic water, sanitation challenges and related health and environmental issues.
Organize conference and congress sessions related to Arctic WASH.
Inspire communities, decisionmakers, authorities, researchers, technology providers and the next generation to engage in the development of solutions for improved Arctic water and sanitation service to the benefit of health and environment.