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Reducing chemicals and contamination of drinking water sources in rural communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia and Albania

How Ecosan toilets, greywater filters and composting can help reducing the use of chemical fertilisers and protecting water sources in rural areas of South Eastern Europe

15.04.2016 | WECF Project


Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, FYR of Macedonia
Donors: SAICM Quick Start Programme, UNEP
Partners: Women in Development Shkoder (Albania), Eko Forum Zenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Journalists for Human Rights (FYR Macedonia)
Issues: Chemicals & Water and Sanitation
Duration: 05/2015 - 12/2017

The project "Reducing chemicals and contamination of drinking water sources in rural communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia and Albania" addresses the problem of drinking water contamination, caused by widely used pit-latrines in rural areas, as well as poor management of water resources intensive use of chemical fertilizers, open and unsafe disposal of waste.

 

In each country one village is selected where demonstration objects, such as a Urine Diverted Dry Toilet (UDDT), a grey water filter, a demonstration garden and a compost, will be implemented. All villages are in environmental sensitive areas, and will profit from UDDT and proper wastewater management. The villages suffer from poor sanitation system and high use of chemical fertilizers and high nitrate levels. The action will focus on prevention of environmental pollution by using non-chemical alternatives and implementation of ecological and affordable sanitation.

 

Objective

The project addresses the population's needs in rural areas to improve sustainably their environment and living conditions through affordable and sustainable technologies.

It aims at decreased contamination of soil and water resources; recycling of organic matter, safe use in agriculture and reduction of the synthetic fertilizers. The following technologies will be demonstrated: urine diverting dry toilets (UDDT or ecosan), production of organic fertilizers, composting, and grey water treatment with the participation of the communities to be served:

 

Project activities

  • Awareness raising in the project villages- developing of community based working groups and organising public meetings and events in Bosnia-Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia and Albania
  • Development and dissemination of information materials in 3 languages
  • Practical trainings and implementation of demonstration objects and workshops in the 3 countries
  • Disseminating project information via local, regional and national media
  • Disseminating project results at international level

Example of an ecosan toilet (photo by Ormax)

 

Sustainability of the project

Target beneficiaries will profit from the project by having:

  • a long term sustainable sanitation solution, and the knowledge to build more UDDT and grey filters
  • the knowledge and means to use organic fertilisers, instead of chemical ones (composting, demonstration gardens
  • access to cleaner drinking water and therefore less water-borne diseases, especially for children
  • decreased eutrophication of polluted rivers and lakes nearby

 

The Project is funded by Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), Quick Start Programme Trust Fund

 

PARTNERS:

Albania: Women in Development Shkodër

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Eco-Forum Zenica

 

FYR Macedonia: JHR - Journalists for human rights

 

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)



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