The 1st International Water Association (IWA) Non-Sewered Sanitation (NSS) specialist group conference is being hosted by the Water Research Commission in South Africa. The event responds to the challenges and needs of around 4 billion people requiring sanitation. The aim of the conference is to provide stimulus for research and innovation for NSS and off-grid sanitation solutions including fecal sludge management, build the technical and scientific base for NSS and to contribute to scientific knowledge and good practice learnings.
What is the IWA NSS Conference?
Ten years in the making, the 1st IWA NSS Conference is a testament to the vision of innovators, scientists, researchers, and industrial partners who have accelerated the progress of non-sewered sanitation. This year, it will be held in Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, from 15-18 October 2023. As the world grapples with climate consequences, water security issues, population growth, and infrastructure challenges, this event becomes increasingly relevant. It’s a platform for sharing outcomes, innovations, and progress in the realm of sanitation.
Benefits of the IWA event
1. Meeting Global Challenges
This conference plays a vital role in tackling pressing issues like climate change, water security, and population growth. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing sanitation inequities and expanding access to aspirational solutions.
2. Sharing Knowledge and Innovations
Practitioners, NGOs/NPOs, policy makers, academics, innovators, researchers, and industrial and finance specialists will converge to exchange the latest scientific knowledge and innovations. The goal is to envision a future where human waste is not a pollutant but a valuable resource, driving a circular economy.
What will WEC be presenting at IWA?
WEC will be presenting various white papers and abstracts about the NEWgeneratorTM off-grid sanitation system. The NEWgeneratorTM is a portable, off-grid sanitation system developed by the University of South Florida and now manufactured by WEC Projects as part of the Water Research Commission’s SASTEP programme. The system aims to help rural and smaller communities in Africa with clean sanitation.
The 1st IWA NSS Conference 2023 is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for positive change. Join us as we work towards a future where sanitation is equitable, sustainable, and innovative. Together, we can transform sanitation from a challenge into a resource.
View our presented abstracts
Community engagement and acceptance of a non-sewered sanitation system: Slovoville case study
