Community Ownership Models: A Game Changer for Global Sanitation Access

Billions Without Safe Sanitation: A Call for Community Action

Imagine living in a place where accessing clean water and safe sanitation is not a given but a distant dream. Despite considerable global advancements in sanitation over the past two decades, as of 2022, around 3.5 billion people still do not have access to decent sanitation facilities, according to the World Health Organization. This staggering statistic underscores the alarming gap in fundamental human rights that many communities face, particularly in developing countries.

Community Ownership Makes A Difference

Enter Surge for Water, a nonprofit organization leading the charge in transforming sanitation access through community ownership models. Rather than imposing solutions from the top, Surge empowers local organizations in Uganda, Haiti, and Indonesia to take charge of the projects that directly affect their lives. This approach reflects a growing understanding that real change happens at the community level when those most impacted are given the tools and responsibilities to implement sustainable solutions.

Shilpa Alva, the founder and executive director of Surge, emphasizes that community involvement is paramount. "We’ve intentionally partnered with grassroots organizations that understand their unique challenges and capabilities," she says. By creating a hyperlocal ecosystem of collaboration, Surge ensures ownership of each project—whether it’s building a toilet or drilling a well—falls squarely into the hands of the community members. This not only enables them to feel a sense of pride and investment but also to cultivate enduring systems of sanitation and hygiene.

Empowering Women: The Heart of Change

A key component of Surge's mission is to elevate women's roles in these communities. Women are often the primary caretakers for their families and are most affected by the lack of water and sanitation facilities. By hiring local women, partnering with women-led organizations, and encouraging the inclusion of women in water service committees, Surge is helping to shift the paradigm.

With improved access to clean water, women gain precious time to engage in economic activities—such as farming, market trading, or education—that contribute to both their livelihoods and the strength of their communities. The newfound freedom means they can focus on what truly matters, fostering not only their growth but also that of their children. As Alva notes, "When children in our educational programs are asked what they want to be when they grow up, many aspire to be water service program officers, showcasing the profound impact of these initiatives."

A Ripple Effect of Sustainability

But this movement goes beyond just sanitation. Surge for Water’s focus on soap-making and entrepreneurship also creates viable economic opportunities for women and girls, enabling them to gain skills that build their confidence and future prospects. When women thrive, families flourish, which, in turn, brings about a ripple effect in community health and resilience.

Incorporating principles of sustainability is vital as well. As boutique hospitality professionals, you might ask, “What can we learn from these grassroots efforts?” The deep engagement with local communities can inspire eco-conscious lodgers to formulate experiences resonating with sustainability goals. For instance, by using off-grid solar technologies and paper wrappers for toiletries, hospitality owners can align their businesses not only with responsible tourism but also with the kind of transformative values that nonprofit organizations advocate.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Innovations

While there is progress, substantial work remains in the battle for global sanitation. The challenges of financing, political cooperation, and local resource management are hurdles to overcome. However, the organization's approach emphasizes innovative solutions, like urban farming techniques, which not only ensure a sustainable food source but also respect the ecosystems in which they operate. Such initiatives also reflect the integration of sustainability across various industries.

It’s worth noting that each community's path will look different. Factors like culture, climate, and socio-economic conditions drive unique needs and solutions, further entrenching the idea that community ownership must be *the* approach. Different strategies for different contexts lead to a tapestry of solutions contributing to the global sanitation crisis.

Join the Movement Towards Greater Sustainability

As we reflect on the pressing need for access to safe sanitation, remember that each of us can play a role, even indirectly. By supporting organizations like Surge for Water or integrating sustainability best practices into our businesses, we contribute to a more equitable world. From solar-powered businesses to wildfire detection technologies, our collective goals can lead to reduced fossil fuel reliance and innovative practices beneficial for the environment.

The time is now to take action in our own communities, no matter the scale of our influence. Whether you are a boutique hotel owner or an aspiring eco-entrepreneur, there are immense opportunities to drive change. Let’s contribute to a movement that values lives over profits, sustainability over waste, and community empowerment over complacency.