Writing a proposal to develop WASH solutions for arctic communities
Researchers: Pernille Erland Jensen, Associate Professor, and postdoc Judith Marechal, DTU Sustain; Arctic DTU – Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut.
Background, purpose and research questions:
In Greenland, a recent research on water supply and health in the settlements, funded by the Greenland Research Council, has shown that 80 % of rural homes are un-piped, which limits water consumption to the basic level of access (about 13 to 21 L/d/cap) for their inhabitants (Maréchal et al., 2022 a). This leads to unsafe hygiene practices, such as the use of shared hand wash basins, that have been shown to constitue a transmission route for pathogens – especially relevant in times of pandemics (Chambers, 2008; Maréchal et al., 2022 b). Furthermore, many residents are potentially exposed topathogens from wastewater, with grey waters released directly into the terrain in residential areas, and the use of unimproved sanitation (honey buckets) in a majority of rural homes, meaning that residents are at risk of coming into contact with black water. In order to preserve human health, we must better manage the interface between users, water and wastewater. In light of these findings, it is now time to develop solutions to solve some of the issues identified in the research. These include the lack of running water for handwashing, and the risk of exposure – 2 – to various types of wastewaters. Many technologies exist that function in similar contexts, and could be adapted and upscaled for the rural Arctic. Collaboration is needed across regions sharing similar logistical constraints and climate, to develop solutions suitable for the rural arctic and acceptable for its residents.
This project is phase 1 of a larger research project, which will aim at developing water and wastewater management solutions adapted to the conditions in the rural Arctic, and culturally appropriate. The final research project (phase 2) will bring together an international network of stakeholders of the WASH field in cold and/remote regions. Focus will be put on using local and natural resources, to develop technologies that are simple to use, easy to maintain, and can be fixed by the users or local workers with resources that are readily available to them. The objective of phase 1 is to start the process by creating a team of local and international contact points – including representative of the Greenlandic society and government, and technical experts – and then develop and write a proposal for the funding of phase 2 in accordance with the priorities identified by the team.
Methods for inclusion of society and dissemination:
The municipality of Qeqqata is actively involved in the development of the project, and together with the relevant authorities, will be a key stakeholder in the choice of priority areas of concern, for interventions in phase 2. The project development will be an iterative process, organising meetings to consult with the local authorities and population as appropriate.
Granted: 100.000,00 kr.
