Creating the further evidence base for WASH work in the Middle East Smart waste and water solutions within the context of the Syrian crisis in Jordan and Lebanon Creating the further evidence base for WASH work in the Middle East

General “big picture” overview Waste and water management is an issue globally as much as it is within the context of refugee camps in or near livable cities. Reflecting on key innovative economic and technically sound waste and water options is fundamental to the future of the well-being of those living in as well as those outside the refugee camps. Since its beginnings in 2011, the crisis in Syria has displaced over 11 million people regionally which has meant a population shift which has created a considerable burden onto neighboring countries in the Middle East region such as in Jordan and Lebanon.  

Background: As one means of enhancing more effective waste and water schemes, World Vision has come up with some innovative schemes. In terms of a waste management scheme, this has been the development of a compost and recycling/up-cycling “Green Centre” developed in Azraq camp, Jordan. In a similar manner, in Lebanon, large-scale solid waste support to Lebanese host communities and refugees in the Bekaa valley has taken place through World Vision Partnership funding by the construction of environmentally friendly solid waste sorting facilities; and public education on appropriate solid waste disposal and health outcomes. Refugee households, for example, now have increased access to sustainable opportunity through their involvement in the camps via waste management and recycling/up-cycling activities.

In terms of innovative water schemes, in Jordan, the WASH and Renewable Energy programming is a cornerstone of World Vision Jordan’s past, present and future work. It employs six key approaches that are based on global best practices and designed in alignment with the Government of Jordan's national strategy which include a strong focus on water and waste management. Similar in Lebanon, there is also a large-scale water infrastructure support to Lebanese host communities and refugees in the Bekaa valley through EU funding which includes the rehabilitation and expansion of government owned and managed water supply infrastructure and especially the promotion of water conservation and hygiene messages at the community level. Reflect the innovative waste and water scheme implemented in both Jordan and Lebanon specifically in refugee camps in which World Vision is currently working in.

Solid waste management In addition to the significant economic stressors of the crisis, environmental degradation has reached concerning levels, with the rapid influx of refugees. Solid waste management - collecting, sorting, recycling, and depositing - has failed to respond to the increase demand. New government strategies seek to strengthen the resilience of this sector by improving integrated management and minimization of waste in a participatory, sustainable and cost effective manner.  The solid waste management part of the programme in Jordan and Lebanon is working with a private sector partner to implement a sustainable refugee-led solid waste collection, management, the cost of the Green Centre and IBV activities. Compostable materials are composted through labour at the Green Centre to be used in provided free of charge to camp-based refugees upon request to support self-scaling of home gardening, and the remainder sold to the private sector to partially recoup Green Centre/IBV operational costs

Green Centre: solid waste management Green Centre solid waste management and opportunities for refugees are becoming operational in two phases: • Phase 1: The Green Centre which became operational last year employs up to 80 refugees at a time sorting, managing, and composting materials processed through the plant. • Phase 2: Using a “block captain” scheme, additional refugees will be further engaged in the collection and sorting of solid waste at a block level, as well as delivery to the Green Centre. This phase which is currently on-going and once completed it will allow the project to assume full responsibility for camp solid waste collection and management.

SWM methodology The study employed a predominantly qualitative and ethnographic approach to navigate the everyday running of the waste and water management issues within the context of the refugee camps. The nature of the research has been the need to understand resilience both within a context of waste and water management and against the wider enabling environment and thus necessitates an in-depth approach.

Clearly the waste and water management issues is felt more acutely in densely populated refugee camps. The provision of adequate water services and waste management services is a critical means of providing not only useful services but also enhancing the socio- economic basis for a number of refugees.

Water schemes In terms of water, in Lebanon 75% of available water is already in use yet the demand is rising. At the same time 48% of water is lost due to broken pipes. As a result, the rehabilitation and expansion of water establishment owned and managed water supply infrastructure in camps is taking place. In addition, a strong emphasis is placed on innovative conservation schemes and messaging to the communities. A more strong effort on specific water conservation schemes and water-saving techniques at household and communities are also taking place. This includes a number of key water conservation strategies which continue to be developed such as: rain water harvesting, water conservation in groundwater resources, and communication and education outreach are currently starting to take place. In the context of Jordan, which currently ranks as the most water-scarce country in the world, water per capita is 88% below the line considered as water poverty. The increased number of Syrian refugees living in Jordan has stretched Jordan's water system even further, even creating a potential source of conflict. Water conservation has become more important since the refugee influx has significantly contributed to the strain on the available water resources in Jordan. The challenge in Jordan is to balance the increasing water needs with the available water resources and to find funding to work towards a sustainable water sector.

Evidence on WV non-household settings: Schools Orphanage Prisons Mass Gatherings Temporary Settings Refugee/IDP Camps Workplace Health Care Facilities (HCFs) Focus: To play a key role in gathering and sharing evidence of impact of WASH in non-domestic settings including schools, health care facilities and refugee camps. This evidence will form a critical bedrock for advocacy, sharing of knowledge, and consensus building.

Selected interventions…. WV WASH away from home schemes aim to help adults and children in the settings of schools, health care facilities and refugee camps to contribute positively around WASH related issues in their community. Aspects of waste and water conservation reflected on in Afganistan, Jordan, KRI, Lebanon. Interventions Specifically in WASH schemes at schools, health care facilities and refugee camps: In schools, student have improved physical health status and improved school performance In health care facilities, there is an improved neonatal care. In refugee camps, there is an improved physical health status of children who have been affected by Syrian Crisis ALL WITH A FOCUS ON WATER CONSERVATINO Results achieved through interventions These results can be achieved through two key interventions, namely: Improved WASH facilities Hygiene promotion sessions with a strong focus on water conservation  

More information… For more descriptive overview of country work, water scarcity programmes in the countries, WASH away from home webexs and upcoming learning event refer to: www.wvi.org/MEERO