Policy Brief: Water and Sanitation Operators Managing and Responding to Natural Disasters in a Changing Climate

This Policy Brief provides an overview of the current context and relevant initiatives implemented by water and sanitation operators in their response to natural disasters and climate-related hazards. It explores operators’ tools and mechanisms aimed at securing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for all during times of crises, including the governmental and regulatory measures that seek to secure long-term service sustainability through provision of technical and financial support to operators. This Policy Brief assesses the instruments as used by water and sanitation operators to respond to both climate and other natural hazard impacts.

The initiatives are analysed at the occasion of the 4th Global WOPs Congress, particularly the session on “Managing and Responding to Natural Disasters in a Changing Climate.” The session will support participants, panellists and moderators to achieve an understanding of the related issues and better communicate their inputs and practices. Finally, this Policy Brief is complemented and enhanced by several illustrative examples to showcase operators’ practices, lessons learned and experiences shared during the GWOPA/GIZ #UtilityClimateAction webinars.

The Policy Brief builds upon the importance of not-for-profit partnerships and knowledge exchange. It provides essential guidance and recommendations to water and sanitation decision makers, regulators, operators, practitioners and other stakeholders, on how operators can be supported to improve their prevention, preparedness and response to climate and other natural hazards.