Suchergebnisse

Properly managed sanitation systems and improved wastewater treatment are important for safeguarding environment and enhancing sustainable livelihoods in vast areas of South and Southeast Asian countries. Recovering nutrients and energy from organic waste and wastewater is an effective option for improving environmental and health security, rehabilitating agricultural soils and improving energy and food access for the poor in these countries. This study addressed the technical potentials and investment climate for wider adoption of resources recovery and reuse (RRR) technologies in this region. Reviewing results and technical calculations indicated poor sanitation in India and Nepal in contrast to high levels of sanitation in Sri Lanka. However, despite comparatively higher levels of fecal sludge and wastewater treatment in Sri Lanka than the remaining countries, levels of waste treatment and recycling are much lower than their potential level in all countries of the region. Lack of financial resources, lack of awareness on hazardous impacts of poor sanitation, poor governance and high corruption levels in the system are pointed out as key barriers for wider implementation of waste and wastewater treatment and recycling technologies. Improving regulatory frameworks and governmental support through establishing subsidy programs, raising the awareness of population on environmental safeguarding, improving the skill capacity and technologies as well as ensuring quality standards can enhance wider implementation of RRR options.

Open dumping of waste and discharging untreated wastewater into environment are key causes of environmental pollution in the developing world, including South Asian countries. Waste and wastewater however can be a source for recovering energy, nutrients and water if properly treated or recycled rather than a cause of pollution and diseases spread. The importance of adopting Resources Recovery and Reuse (RRR) technologies increases under growing demand for food and energy in contrast to depleting fossil fuel mines and groundwater reservoirs. However, institutional framework including the organizations and various stakeholders involved in the waste and wastewater management sectors, government policies and legislation, as well as financial arrangements and incentives to technological change play a pivotal role in adopting and scaling up RRR options. This study therefore focuses on institutional and financial aspects of challenges and opportunities for implementing RRR options in South Asia. It is argued that improving financial capacities, easing to obtain land use permits to expand RRR facilities, maintaining quality of RRR products (compost, biogas), and raising environmental awareness are imperative for the successful performance of the RRR projects in South Asia.