Integrated Health, Development and Conservation InitiativesJanet Edmond, Conservation InternationalSeptember 5, 2013

Biodiversity underpins the ability of nature to supply drinking water by sustaining the continuous recycling of water, through the water cycleProtecting natural systems improves the predictability and sustainability of adequate quantities and quality of waterNature is “green infrastructure” for water storage, filtration, regulation of flowsFreshwater Conservation for WASH Sustainability

Why Connect WASH and Conservation?Life does not happen in sectors Healthy ecosystems and human well-beingEffective watershed managementConnecting ideas and disciplines can reinforce mutual goalsSustainability

Nosivolo Project GoalsHome to more than 14 municipalities, 47 fokontany (villages), and 19 endemic fish speciesImprove community health – improve access to WASH services, reduce waterborne disease, access to antibiotics, improve community nutritionIncrease sustainable livelihood options – fishing, agriculture, and small grant activitiesRiver bank restoration, reduce soil erosion, and conserve endemic fish habitatExpand outreach and education on the links between WASH and water resource managementStrengthen capacity of local associations, women’s groups, and community development organizations to engage in water resource management

Working Together for SustainabilityTechnicalMaximizing investmentAdvocacyAwareness-raisingIntegrating efforts of the environmental and WASH communities are jointly being explored by CI & partners in four main areas: