There are 2.4 billion people living without the sanitation sufficient to separate them from their biological waste. For another 2.1 billion, wastewater drains directly into surface waters. Despite improvements over past decades, unsafe fecal waste and wastewater management still presents a major risk to public health and the environment. Natural solutions, including constructed and natural wetlands, wastewater treatment ponds, and green roofs can be added to wastewater treatment systems to support the removal of wastewater contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, and high nutrients.

OUR APPROACH: This working group is developing an evidence-based guidance document that assesses both the technical feasibility and practicality of placing nature-based sanitation solutions in diverse local and cultural contexts. Their aim is to inform investment and resource use in the operation and maintenance of sanitation services that support both human and ecosystem health.

This team is made possible in part by the generous support and engagement of the Bridge Collaborative, which unites experts in health, development, and the environment to create the evidence and opportunity to solve big problems for people and the world we share.