MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Dear Friends and Partners, As we enter 2026, the Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI), created under the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA), looks forward to a year of bold action and innovation. 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the GPA, a milestone celebrating three decades of international collaboration to protect marine and coastal environments. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of source-to-sea approaches, linking rivers, coasts, and oceans in integrated solutions that safeguard both ecosystems and communities. In the year ahead, our work will weave together ambitious and interconnected priorities: transforming wastewater into clean energy through methane-recovering treatment plants, reclaiming nutrients to nourish soils and promote sustainable agriculture, and harnessing nature-based solutions to restore degraded lands and strengthen ecosystem resilience. At the heart of it all is innovation, turning wastewater challenges into opportunities for climate action, environmental restoration, and resilient communities. Together, let’s make 2026 a year of tangible impact, learning, and collaboration. We invite you to join us in translating knowledge into action and shaping a healthier, more resilient future from source to sea. Warm regards,
GWWI UPDATES
News from the Secretariat
GWWI holds flagship event on wastewater at UNEA-7
The “Wastewater as a Solution” high-level side event held on 10 December at the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) elevated wastewater management within global policy dialogue by reframing wastewater as a driver of climate mitigation and adaptation, resource recovery, green recovery in post-conflict and post-disaster contexts, land degradation mitigation, and healthier ecosystems. By showcasing innovative solutions and practical approaches for sustainable wastewater management and reuse, the event strengthened cross-regional and multi-stakeholder engagement, with senior-level participation from Jamaica, Belgium, Mongolia, Côte d’Ivoire, and the European Union, alongside UNEP, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Ragn-Sells Group and UNEP-DHI, reinforcing wastewater’s role in advancing a circular economy. Building on these outcomes, the event launched three practical knowledge products were launched:
- Sustainable Wastewater Management for Water Villages
- Sustainable Wastewater Management as a Pillar for the Sustainable Reconstruction of Ukraine
- Technical Guidance on Solutions for Reducing GHG Emissions from Wastewater Systems
Together, these resources equipped participants with concrete options, case studies, and policy-relevant guidance to strengthen sanitation services, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience, and embed circular economy approaches, in line with the Source-to-Sea and One Health frameworks.
The GWWI held its Annual Steering Committee Meeting
The annual Steering Committee of the Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI) was convened virtually on Thursday, 27 November 2025, with the objective to discuss upcoming strategic events, review the initiative's progress, and plan for future collaborations in 2026 and beyond.
GWWI launches new LinkedIn page
We are pleased to share that the Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI) has launched its official LinkedIn page. This new space is open to all GWWI members and partners to stay connected, share knowledge, and amplify collective action on sustainable wastewater management worldwide. We warmly encourage members to follow the page, engage with the content, and help extend the reach of our collective work.
GWWI takes part to Funders Forum and Capacity Building Workshop on Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance
Turkish Water Institute (SUEN) hosted the Funders Forum and Capacity Building Workshop on Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance on 17–19 November 2025 in Istanbul. The forum brought together organizations to discuss funding and financing mechanisms for scaling wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES), share priority areas and geographic focus, and explore nationwide scale-up strategies. UNEP contributed technical guidance and expertise on wastewater and environmental surveillance, shared insights from the Wastewater Surveillance for Africa (WWS) Initiative, and supported knowledge exchange and capacity-building among participating organizations and countries.
WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE FOR AFRICA (WWS) INITIATIVE
UNEP launches webinar series on wastewater surveillance
The inaugural event of UNEP’s Wastewater Surveillance for Africa webinar series launched a new platform for capacity building and knowledge exchange on wastewater and environmental surveillance across Africa. The first webinar introduced how wastewater surveillance can provide early warning of disease outbreaks while supporting ecosystem protection, with practical insights from public health and environmental perspectives shared by experts from South Africa and Uganda and guided by UNEP and WHO. Watch it here The second event explored how professionals in public health, environmental management, and water services can work together to track, analyze, and respond to health risks identified through wastewater and environmental surveillance, using a One Health approach that recognizes the close links between people, animals, and the environment. Drawing on real-life examples from across Africa, it showed how cross-sector collaboration helps detect problems earlier, protect ecosystems, and keep communities healthier. Watch it here The third event in UNEP’s capacity-building series brought together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to examine how harmonized wastewater and environmental surveillance systems can strengthen public health and ecosystem protection across Africa. Through presentations and interactive discussions, participants explored data integration, collaboration, and regional coordination, highlighting how aligned WES systems support early warning, health preparedness, and a more resilient One Health approach across the continent. Watch it here
UNEP holds regional workshops under the Global Wastewater Surveillance initiative for Africa
From 19–21 October 2025, a regional workshop on wastewater surveillance for environmental and public health was held in Cairo, bringing together 30 participants from six Northern African countries: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Djibouti. The workshop created a space for countries to share experiences, identify common gaps, and explore practical opportunities to strengthen wastewater and environmental surveillance. Discussions focused on how wastewater surveillance can better support public health protection and ecosystem management. Participants highlighted the need for stronger coordination across sectors, improved data sharing, sustainable financing, and regional cooperation. The workshop also emphasized scaling up surveillance networks and integrating wastewater data into health and environmental decision-making, positioning wastewater surveillance as a strategic tool for long-term environmental and public health resilience. The event was organized by UNEP in partnership with UNU-INWEH and WHO.
Strengthening One Health Surveillance at Africa’s Gateways
Through the Wastewater Surveillance for Africa (WWS) Initiative, UNEP is turning the One Health approach into action by strengthening coordination and wastewater and environmental surveillance across sectors and levels. In November 2025, UNEP advanced new strategic partnerships with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) for planned surveillance activities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and the port of Mombasa, Kenya, while a parallel collaboration is being finalized with the Water Research Commission to undertake similar work at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a key step toward operational, harmonized surveillance at major regional transport hubs.
WASTEWATER FOR CLIMATE ACTION
UNEP, UNEP-DHI and the GWWI launch new publication on wastewater and climate action
The ‘Wastewater treatment solutions for climate mitigation: a practical guide’ serves as a comprehensive resource for wastewater practitioners, policymakers, and researchers aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the sanitation sector. With wastewater treatment contributing up to a level of global emissions comparable to aviation and cement production, this timely guide emphasizes the urgent need to align sanitation goals with climate action. The technical guide provides detailed methodologies for monitoring and quantifying emissions, explores mitigation strategies through planning and process optimization, and highlights policy instruments and technologies that support the transition to net-zero wastewater treatment.
UNEP GWWI takes part to an online course on circular wastewater solutions for climate action
"From Wastewater to Resources: Circular Solutions for a Climate-Resilient Future" was a practical, action-oriented online course organized by UNEP in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair on Sustainability and leading European partners. Delivered in Spanish and designed for Latin America, the course focused on turning wastewater and other waste streams into valuable resources—recovering water, energy and nutrients while reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as methane, N₂O and CO₂. Through real-world case studies, expert-led sessions and ready-to-use tools, participants strengthened their capacity to design circular, finance-ready projects that support climate resilience, local economies, and the achievement of national climate commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals.
SUPPORTING VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES
New publication: Sustainable Wastewater Management for Water Villages
UNEP, GWWI and GRID-Arendal launched a new publication, Sustainable Wastewater Management for Water Villages, released on 5 December 2025. This technical brief explores practical and affordable solutions to wastewater challenges faced by water-based communities around the world. It highlights innovative, community-led approaches such as floating toilets, biodigesters, and modular treatment systems that help reduce pollution, protect public health, and strengthen resilience in settlements built on lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
Turning the tide in Sabah’s floating villages
Once, untreated sewage from the houses of Lok Urai Village in Sabah, Borneo, flowed directly into the sea. Today, thanks to a UNEP project implemented in partnership with UN-Habitat and Act Malaysia, water is cleaner, and life is improving. At the village’s school, safe sanitation has led to a 65% increase in school attendance since 2020, especially for girls – giving them a safer, healthier start in life. Families are also benefiting from new income through eco-tourism and sustainable fishing. This project demonstrated how wastewater treatment and sanitation can deliver health, education, and ecosystem wins together.
UNEP DHI and GWWI launch new publication on Sustainable Wastewater Management for Ukraine’s Recovery
Sustainable wastewater management is emerging as a critical pillar of Ukraine’s recovery, as only 50 per cent of household wastewater is currently treated safely, creating serious public health and environmental risks and requiring more than USD 3.35 billion in infrastructure investment. Addressing this challenge presents a major opportunity to transform wastewater from a liability into a resource, while strengthening energy security, climate resilience, and alignment with EU water standards during reconstruction. In collaboration with the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, UNEP Ukraine and the UN Environment Programme’s Global Wastewater Initiative have released a new technical report, Sustainable Wastewater Management as a Pillar for the Sustainable Reconstruction of Ukraine, outlining practical pathways to support a resilient and sustainable recovery.
HIGHLIGHT
Noemi Florea: Turning Grey Water Into Drinking Water
Noemi Florea is the inventor of Cycleau, a compact system that turns greywater into drinking water. Using a four-stage treatment process, it removes over 200 contaminants, reduces building water footprints by up to 80 per cent and lowers energy demand by more than a third, all at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems. Cycleau has been piloted in projects ranging from a public bottle filling station in the United States of America, to schools along the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border. By capturing and recycling water close to where it is consumed, the system reduces pollution, conserves resources and supports safe, affordable water access.
Noemi Florea is the inventor of Cycleau, a compact system that turns greywater into drinking water. Using a four-stage treatment process, it removes over 200 contaminants, reduces
Florea is an internationally recognized youth climate innovator selected among the top 1 per cent of youth innovators under 24 by MIT Solve, highlighted by UNICEF as one of 20 youth innovators at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, and awarded the Women in ClimateTech Award in 2024. Florea has also won prizes from the Swarovski Foundation, HP, the Halcyon Incubator and the Trust for Governors Island.
THE PARTNERS CORNER
Global Virus Network
The Global Virus Network (GVN) will hold its next Annual International Scientific Meeting, “Pandemic Preparedness?” on March 4–6, 2026, in Tampa, Florida, as part of International Science Innovation Week 2026 at the University of South Florida. Co-hosted with the USF Health Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation and the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, the week brings together global leaders in science and medicine to advance collaboration for the future of pandemic preparedness. Preceding the GVN meeting, the TGH Cancer Institute will host “Microbes, Genes and Cancer” on March 2–3, 2026. We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity and the registration link below with members of your network.
PATHOGEN HUNTERS: Expanding One Health Surveillance: WOOPS, COOPS & POOPS
The Pathogen Hunters initiative combines wastewater monitoring with community-led outbreak detection. Active in over 20 countries, including Thailand, India, and Somalia, the program uses non-invasive tools to identify infectious threats in vulnerable regions, while co-designing protocols with indigenous and forest-edge communities.
UN-Habitat: Sanitation Masterclass Goes Live
Developed with WSUP and EAWAG, This new 7-module online Masterclass offers practical tools for city-level wastewater management. Since its launch in May 2025, the series has engaged over 700 participants. It builds on the global report released during the 2023 UN-Habitat Assembly.
The Nature Conservancy: New Podcast Series: waste(d)water
Flush the status quo! This groundbreaking podcast investigates the "dirty secret" of wastewater pollution. Through global expert interviews, the series explores nature-based solutions, policy reform, and water recycling to reshape how we manage domestic wastewater. Listen and subscribe on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts and follow the blog for updates.
Washbox : The Green Sink Initiative: Eliminating 50 Million Litres of Construction Pollution
At Climate Week 2025, Washbox announced a Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action for their UN Ocean Decade project, "The Green Sink Initiative." This ambitious plan aims to train 100,000 construction stakeholders and, through the deployment of their closed-loop wash stations, eliminate 50 million litres of liquid waste discharge to sewers by 2030. As part of the initiative, a webinar was organised through the Chartered Institute of Building in October 2025. The course introduces construction professionals to the environmental risks linked to liquid waste produced during everyday on-site activities, such as washing tools used for paints, plaster, render, and tiling. Andrew Crimston, CEO of Washbox Global, explains how unmanaged liquid waste can harm wastewater systems and nearby ecosystems. Washbox is a proud member of the United Nations Ocean Decade network, reflecting its commitment to protecting ocean health and promoting sustainability.
Kenya Leather Development Council ：Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) Project
The Kenya Leather Development Council is implementing a 10-MLD modern Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at the Kenya Leather Industrial Park in Kinanie, Machakos County. The project aims to support environmentally sustainable leather production through centralized wastewater treatment and is currently 85% complete.
Water-Energy-Food-Environment (WEFE)： BONEX Project – Boosting Nexus Framework Implementation in the Mediterranean
BONEX project, standing for “Boosting Nexus Framework Implementation in the Mediterranean” aims to facilitate WEFE Nexus practical implementation. Through a participative approach promoting water reuse for agricultural irrigation in Tunisia, for the first time a research-private sector partnership enabled the installation of specific sensors, in the irrigated area of Ouardanine, in Monastir, for a real-time monitoring of treated water quality parameters, including nutrients. This technological innovation supports the integration of the nutrients load brought by reclaimed water in the overall nutrient balance to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, prevent environmental pollution and optimize crops yield and quality. The IA-based tool will benefit an irrigated area of 75 ha and more than 40 farmers. It is developed to strengthen water governance by enhancing transparency and data sharing among the stakeholders, support a science-based decision-making, develop an early-warning system to prevent contamination outbreaks, and build capacities of the national, regional, and local stakeholders involved in the reclaimed water
Nature based wastewater solutions：Bioreactor Garden – Nature-Based Wastewater Treatment Solutions
Globally it is estimated that 80% of wastewater is untreated or inadequately treated, yet treating and provisioning water utilizes 3-4% of energy globally. Despite low levels of water treatment globally, the water treatment sector is more carbon intensive than the airline industry which uses 2.5% of world energy. To meet sustainable development goals and not greatly increase energy consumption – it is critical to go about provisioning clean water and protecting ground and surface water in highly effective, low carbon, nature based strategies. The innovative Bioreactor Garden is an engineered landscape that utilizes sand, plants, biochar, and woodchip-filled bioreactors to remove nutrients, pharmaceuticals and pathogens from wastewater. while supporting production of useful biomass in agroforestry systems. Recent projects with agroforestry leach fields integrated into the design in Hawaiʻi, Palau, and Costa Rica also show the potential for Bioreactor Garden systems to protect coastal waters and coral reefs while growing food, biofuel and restoration plants. Testing has shown over 87% effective nitrate removal and 83% phosphorus, as well as 60-99% of pharmaceuticals.
ELITE SDGs Consultoria:
We protect wetlands and rivers through sustainable actions focused on proper wastewater management, plastic reduction, and the implementation of circular economy practices. We repurpose eggshells, oregano, olive, and grape stems to produce bio-nutrients that enrich the soil and strengthen local ecosystems. All of this work is carried out collaboratively by teachers, students, and the community, supported by strategic alliances between I.E. Champagnat Tacna and EliteSDGs Business Consulting.
Agência Peixe Vivo: Advances in Rural Sanitation in the São Francisco River Basin
The Peixe Vivo Agency, in partnership with the São Francisco River Basin Committee (CBHSF), is advancing a comprehensive program to improve rural sanitation across the São Francisco Watershed. The initiative integrates socio-environmental assessments, community engagement, household registration, and evaluation of water supply and wastewater practices to guide the design and implementation of individual sanitation solutions. Technologies adopted include compact biodigesters, evapotranspiration tanks, infiltration trenches, soak pits and complete sanitary modules, selected according to local conditions. Between 2024 and 2025, projects and construction works were completed in eight municipalities across Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Alagoas, resulting in 1,220 individual sanitation systems delivered to rural, quilombola, and indigenous families. Other 458 systems are planned to be delivered by late 2026. The program represents approximately R$ 30 million in investments funded through water-use charges. The initiative has generated improvements in reducing diffuse pollution, protecting water bodies, and strengthening public health, reaffirming rural sanitation as a cornerstone for social, environmental, and territorial development.
Global Virus Network (GVN): Advancing Wastewater-Based Surveillance for Public Health
The Global Virus Network (GVN) continues to expand the application of wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) as a vital tool for infectious disease monitoring. Dr. Helena Solo- Gabriele at the University of Miami College of Engineering together with Dr. Mario Stevenson, the GVN Center Director of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine AIDS Institute, has focused on optimizing WBS. Their research on SARS-CoV-2 data showed a strong correlation between viral levels and clinical positivity rates. Importantly, their team found that including simple factors like pH improves the accuracy of WBS models, advocating for expanding this tool to track viruses such as influenza A/B and RSV. At the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a GVN Center of Excellence, PhD candidate Augustin Martin guided by Dr. Gigi Gronvall, evaluates surveillance systems, including WBS, for high-consequence pathogens at points of entry, particularly within the aviation sector. His research aims to inform global efforts to scale and operationalize aviation wastewater surveillance, such as the Global Consortium for Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance for Public Health (GLOWACON) Aviation Program. His ongoing work points to areas of opportunity, including a layered surveillance model, expanding coverage, and developing clear public health action frameworks.
Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI): the Resource Recovery Toolbox
Across the globe, wastewater is increasingly recognized not only as a pollution challenge, but as a strategic resource for water reuse, nutrient recovery, energy generation, and climate action. Yet practitioners and decision-makers often struggle to access practical, context-appropriate tools to plan, assess, and implement resource recovery solutions along the wastewater service chain. The Resource Recovery Toolbox is a free online platform designed to bridge this gap, curating over 100 decision-support tools and case studies focused on resource recovery from wastewater systems, across both centralised and decentralised contexts. The Toolbox was developed with input from stakeholders worldwide and is grounded in practical experience from diverse regions. It supports utilities, municipalities, consultants, researchers, and policymakers in comparing options, understanding trade-offs, and integrating resource recovery into wastewater planning and investment decisions, translating global circular economy ambitions into locally actionable pathways.
Upcoming Events
West-Central Africa Regional Workshop on Wastewater Surveillance for Environment and Public Health
Date: 21-23 January 2026 Location: Dakar, Senegal Host: UNEP, UNU-INWEH and WHO
High-Level Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference
Date: 26-27 January 2026
Location: Dakar, Senegal
Host: Senegal, United Arab Emirates, UN and partners.
IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition
Date: October 4-8, 2026 Location: Glasgow, UK Host: IWA
ANNOUNCEMENT
GWWI Welcomes New Staff
WU Xianbing, Intern, UNEP GWWI
WU Xianbing has joined the Ecosystems Division/SSPU as a Communications Intern and will be working with the Global Wastewater Initiative until April 2026. She holds an MA in Bilingual Corporate Communication from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and brings valuable experience in sustainability storytelling, data-driven content strategy, and cross-platform campaign execution. Her background includes developing corporate sustainability narratives for a major construction firm in Hong Kong and conducting field research on sustainable urban branding in Melbourne.
Caroline Miyazaki, Climate and Wastewater Specialist, UNEP GWWI
Caroline Kimie Miyazaki is a PhD-level environmental engineer with international experience in water and wastewater projects across Europe, Brazil, and the USA. She brings strong research, technical problem-solving, and project leadership skills to support initiatives advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Her work spans academia and consulting, combining analytical expertise with cross-cultural collaboration to develop practical solutions that promote environmental protection, resource efficiency, and climate change mitigation.
Join us in welcoming our new team member!
We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration!
For any comments, questions or suggestion, please contact the Secretariat of the Global Wastewater Initiative at unep-gwwi@un.org
The Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI) is a multi-stakeholder partnership launched by UNEP in 2013. Its purpose is to address wastewater-related issues, prompt coordinated action and encourage new investments for sustainable wastewater management. The GWWI intends to bring about a paradigm shift in the way wastewater is seen, from waste to a resource, and prevent further pollution and degradation of our aquatic environment.