According to the United Nations (UN), only 0.5 percent of water on Earth is usable and available freshwater!

But surprisingly, wastewater contains valuable resources that can be recovered and reused. Therefore, despite the challenges, innovative solutions are emerging to address the wastewater crisis.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals? 

The notion of sustainability, according to the United Nations Brundtland Commission in 1987, is defined as “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” They affirm the imperative of concrete efforts to ensure development nowadays does not compromise future generations. 

They created a strategic framework aimed at achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. This framework is known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comprising 17 interconnected goals, SDGs address the global challenges we face and aspire to be realized by 2030.

It’s crucial that we prioritize sustainability because our long-term well-being relies on taking care of our planet responsibly for the benefit of future generations.

A dive into Goal 6- Clean Water & Sanitation (linked to Goal 3- Health and well being)

What does Goal 6 consist of? 

SDG 6 ensures access to clean water and sanitation, which is crucial for health and well-being (SDG 3). Urgent action is needed to accelerate progress, as billions might still lack these services by 2030 due to population growth and urbanization.

Several strategies are imperative to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030. These include investments in infrastructure and sanitation facilities, protecting and rehabilitating water-related ecosystems, and educating communities about proper hygiene practices. Additionally, improving water-use efficiency is crucial for alleviating water stress.

While progress has been made, with the proportion of the global population accessing safely managed drinking water increasing from 69% to 73% between 2015 and 2022, concerted efforts are necessary to accelerate advancements. Key strategies include boosting investment and building capacity across the water sector, fostering innovation and evidence-based interventions, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors, and embracing a more integrated and holistic approach to water management.

How does ZamNordic participate in this Goal?  

In Zambia, 6.4 million people, almost a third of the population, don’t have clean water close to home. For instance, Chililabombwe, a district with over 125,000 residents, has experienced significant population growth. Consequently, the volume of waste produced has escalated beyond the existing capacity, with 40% of the daily output of 200 tons being improperly disposed of in streets and natural surroundings. This inadequate waste management system not only endangers the health of workers and residents in Chililabombwe but also increases the risk of infections and potentially fatal enteric diseases.

With its specialization in wastewater management solutions, ZamNordic aims to enhance the quality of water resources and sanitation infrastructure in the region.

To attain these goals, ZamNordic works in close collaboration with BlueKolding, which is a water treatment municipality company based in Kolding, Denmark. Chililabombwe is also an official partner of ZamNordic, which is searching for solutions. Through this partnership, ZamNordic endeavors to mitigate the adverse impacts of improper waste disposal, safeguarding the health and well-being of residents while advancing progress toward SDG 6 targets.

A Dive into Goal 17- Partnership for the Goals

What does Goal 6 consist of? 

Goal 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on fostering global partnerships to achieve sustainable development. It emphasizes the need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, and society to address various challenges and ensure inclusive growth. This goal recognizes that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a universal call to action, requiring cooperation from all countries, regardless of their level of development, to leave no one behind.

With the COVID-19 pandemic experience, the world realized that enhancing global partnerships is vital for tackling shared challenges and advancing sustainable development goals.

How does ZamNordic participate in this Goal? 

Recognizing the importance of Goal 17 in promoting global cooperation for sustainable development, ZamNordic endeavors to bridge the gap between Zambia’s need for innovation and the abundance of innovative resources in Nordic countries. 

As developed for goal 6, Chililabombwe and BlueKolding are Zamnordic’s partners. But ZamNordic also had the opportunity to meet Her Excellency Mrs. Lundwe, the Zambian Ambassador to the Nordic/Baltic countries, when discussions about exploring potential strategies and partnerships were made. 

Through these partnerships, ZamNordic seeks to unlock new opportunities, enhance capacity-building efforts, and drive inclusive development that benefits both regions. 

In conclusion, achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 6 and 17, requires concerted efforts, innovative solutions, and collaborative partnerships. As we navigate the challenges of wastewater while fostering global cooperation for sustainable development, initiatives like ZamNordic stand as exciting opportunities.

The progress made so far, as evidenced by the increasing proportion of the global population accessing safe drinking water, underscores the effectiveness of such initiatives. However, there is still much ground to cover, and it’s crucial to remain committed to exploring future opportunities for collaboration and innovation.