In september 2015, all member states of the United Nations (UN) agree on a new common agenda for 2030 with 17 Sustainable Development Goals. With this resolution, the heads of state and the government commit themselves to working tirelessly to full implementation by 2030, thereby reshaping the world.
What is new?
New compared to the previous MDGs is not only the greater number of objectives, but also the integrative approach, the inclusion of water as a separate objective and the explicit inclusion of all countries.
What has the DWA to do with it?
Since its establishment in 1948, the DWA has been committed to the sustainable development of water management, wastewater disposal and waste management as a technical and scientific professional association. In our mission statement we acknowledge our responsibility for clean water, intact soil and clean air in order to preserve a healthy environment for future generations.
The intensive exchange of expertise among each other, the DWA standards, the training offers as well as the national and international association network are fundamental building blocks for achieving the SDGs, in particular for achieving the central water objective (SDG 6).
Zero Hunger
The concrete contributes of DWA to objective 2:
Professional opinion on draft legislation
Soil protection and sustainable land management
Groundwater protection
Quality Education
The concrete contribution of DWA to objective 4:
Collaboration in the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training
Setting of educational standards
Train the trainer
Development of teaching materials
Implementation of further training and qualification measures
University challenges and professional competitions
Clean Water and Sanitation
The concrete contribution of DWA to objective 6:
Professional opinion on draft legislation
Protection of waters and groundwater
Implementation of the WFD / aquatic ecology and quality
Sustainable sewage systems
Sustainable treatment of wastewater and industrial wastewater
Environmentally compatible handling of water-hazardous substances
Sustainable sewage sludge disposal
Intelligent (underground) infrastructures
Sustainable Cities and Communities
The concrete contribution of DWA to objective 11:
Water-sensitive city of the future
Demographic change
Resource and recycling management
New sanitation systems
Climate Action
The concrete contribution of DWA to objective 13:
Professional opinion on draft legislation
Water in the town
Flood and heavy rain precautions
Energy-efficient water management
Life below Water
The concrete contribution of DWA to objective 14:
Professional opinion of draft legislation
Nutrient reduction by use of wastewater technology
Reduction of sediment inputs
Life On Land
The concrete contribution of DWA to objective 15:
Professional opinion on draft legislation
Groundwater-protective use of fertilisers
Forestry and agriculture in line with water management objectives
Erosion prevention
Conservation of biological diversity
Partnerships For The Goals
The concrete contribution of DWA to objective 17:
Organisation of international conferences e.g. within the framework of the IFAT worldwide
Care and developement of international partnerships (EWA and IWA)
Exchange and cooperation with international associations
Consultation on setting up associations abroad
Qualification courses for refugees
Clean Water and Sanitation
The integrative approach of the SDGs means that without goal 6 "Clean Water and Sanitation" the other 16 goals are not achievable.
Due to this overarching cross-sectional character and the particular significance, the responsibility for the German sustainability lies with the Federal Chancellery. However, we are all called upon, from government, civil society, private sector to science, to contribute to transform of our world!
