An Environmental Sanitation Network
The Site
Sanitation Connection is an Internet-based resource that gives you access to accurate, reliable and up-to-date information on technologies, institutions and financing of sanitation systems around the world. Institutions of international standing contribute to the information base by providing and maintaining a topic of their specialization.
The site is structured around several broad themes and regional topics. For visitors interested in further discussion, these themes are developed in greater depth with specific topics, each of which are supported by extensive resources in a seachable database. Additionally, there is a Help Desk for specific queries or feedback, along with a listing of online databases. Finally, please visit the GPA/Sanitation Connection Links Page for GPA relevant information and data, especially on municipal wastewater management.
The Network
Sanitation Connection was conceived as a way to gather in one place a number of ongoing initiatives in sanitation information management, to ensure that the best information is widely available, and to bring together the most important institutions working in sanitation into a single wide-reaching information initiative.
It is a World Wide Web-based resource intended to facilitate access to information on sanitation. It aims to extend its reach through paper and telephone-based services in selected locations. Sanitation Connection functions as a virtual partnership with a range of sector players taking responsibility for the provision and maintenance of state-of-the-art information on selected issues. In the first phase of its development, it is predominantly English language in orientation. Information in other languages will be increasingly available as it develops further.
The Partners
Sanitation Connection partners are institutions of international standing who contribute to its work, most frequently through maintaining a topic or regional ‘node’, responding to new publications/sources of information and contributing to the progressive development of a bank of “Frequently Asked Questions”. Each partner strives to maintain a broad balance in the information and views presented in order that Sanitation Connection as a whole operates to the benefit of all partners and users.
In addition to the contributions of time and expertise made by all Sanitation Connection partners, substantial financial support for its establishment has been provided by:
- The Department of International Development, Government of the United Kingdom (DFID) through the Global Water Partnership;
- The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council; and
- The United Nations Environment Programme, Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA).
The Sanitation Connection is managed by a ‘Core Group’ of partners comprising:
- The International Water Association Foundation;
- The United Nations Environment Programme, Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA);
- The Water and Sanitation Program;
- The World Health Organization; and
- The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council.
Sanitation Connection is administered by the World Health Organization who plays the leading role and convenes the core group as required. Day-to-day management of Sanitation Connection is undertaken by a manager currently housed in the Water and Sanitaiton Program and reporting back to the Core Group. Additional technical expertise is provided by the Water and Engineering Development Centre at the University of Loughborough (WEDC) and IRC International Water and Sanitation Center. The Water and Sanitation Program also administers the Sanitation Connection Help Desk.
