The Convergence Factor: Lessons from Integrating Freshwater Conservation and WASH

Most of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is under pressure from increasing population growth, urbanization, and consumption, as well as poorly-planned infrastructure development. All these factors are negatively impacting the quality and availability of freshwater resources. By linking freshwater conservation and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG) partners expect that reduced watershed degradation and pollution will help increase the health of watershed ecosystems and species. 

With support from the USAID Africa Bureau, ABCG piloted innovative projects that integrate freshwater conservation and WASH in landscapes in South Africa and Uganda to address these challenges. This report provides insights into how Conservation International, with its affiliate Conservation South Africa, and the Jane Goodall Institute integrated WASH activities into existing conservation programs in South Africa and Uganda, respectively. 

• View a webinar presentation of the findings