Innovation & Impact in PNG

Towards Integration: practical lessons from applying an inclusive WASH and climate adaptation framework

March 2023

WaterAid recently completed this Innovation and Impact (I&I) project in partnership with Hydrology Risk Consulting. The project successfully implemented an Inclusive WASH and Climate Adaptation Framework in Wewak District, Papua New Guinea. The project outcomes bridge an evidence gap and demonstrate practical approaches for climate-adaptive WASH programming, including strengthened stakeholder collaboration at local, national and international levels. 

You can read more about the project and the research findings in the project wrap up:

Supporting community climate-resilient WASH programming in Papua New Guinea

Through this Innovation and Impact project, WaterAid and Hydrology and Risk Consulting are expanding their engagement to develop and apply an inclusive climate adaptation framework.

This project is contributing to the evidence-base on climate adaptation and resilient WASH programming by developing a practical framework that defines categories of inclusive WASH responses that build climate resilience.

The inclusive WASH and climate adaptation framework is focusing on the local district levels, with a view to capture lessons learnt to strengthen the Wewak District WASH Plan.

Further evidence is being gathered by applying the framework in the Wewak district, to test its appropriateness. The project is identifying where and how WASH programing responses could be progressively strengthened.

The inclusive WASH and climate adaptation framework is building on existing resources, including WaterAid’s gender transformative and systems strengthening WASH work. Consultation and reviews with WASH, water resource management and climate experts are mapping resource inputs.

Examples of different WASH program approaches within the framework include:

1. WASH service delivery approach -improving access to WASH.

2. Securing water resources for WASH - identifying and planning for threats to water resources that put WASH services at risk.

3. Securing future water resources for WASH - analysing resilience needed to respond to predicted climate change threats.

4. A ‘whole of SDG 6’ approach - building on predicted climate change impacts to extend the focus beyond WASH; for example, to related agriculture, forestry and energy sectors.

The framework is focusing on the local and district levels, with a view to capture lessons learned to strengthen the District WASH Plan.

A case study sharing how the framework has been applied and the estimated additional costs of integrating a climate focus in WASH programs is being developed for dissemination across the development sector.

The Australian aid program is investing in innovation and learning to deepen impact in Asia and the Pacific through the Innovation and Impact grants. By supporting partners to further their innovation and impact, we can not only improve WASH outcomes in the region but also contribute to improved WASH policy and practice globally. Water for Women is proud to be partnering with WaterAid and Hydrology and Risk Consulting in Papua New Guinea.

Photo by WaterAid / Dion Kombeng