A Guide for Integrated Conservation and Sanitation Programs and Approaches

Report

Hawaii

Publication date: January 1, 2023

File format: PDF

View resource

This guide was developed by the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) Improving Coastal Health working group to help marine conservation and sanitation practitioners work together on integrated conservation and sanitation programs. The guidance was informed by the outcomes of a needs assessment launched in 2021 to better understand the challenges and opportunities related to integrated programs.

Subject Tags

  • Climate resilience
  • Coastal
  • Ecosystem management

Introduction

A Guide for Integrated Conservation & Sanitation Programs & Approaches explores how conservation and sanitation sectors can collaborate to address the interconnected challenges of wastewater pollution, ecosystem degradation, public health risks, and climate change. Developed through the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP), the guide focuses on protecting coastal and marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows while improving sanitation outcomes for communities. It explains the impacts of wastewater pollution, highlights barriers faced by both sectors, and presents partnership principles, stakeholder engagement strategies, risk assessment tools, and a ten-step integrated planning framework. The guide also examines policy coordination, pollution reduction targets, nature-based solutions, resource recovery opportunities, and innovative financing mechanisms. Through global case studies and practical examples, it demonstrates how coordinated action can strengthen ecosystem health, improve community wellbeing, enhance climate resilience, and achieve shared conservation and sustainable development goals.

Suggested citation

Amelia S. Wenger; Gómez Juárez, E.; Thomas, J.; Amaya, T.; Corbin, C.; Edmond, J.; Falinski, K.; Hill, J.; Jenkins, A.; Jupiter, S.D.; Kuempel, C.D.; Lamb, J.B.; Nalley, E.M.; Omwenga, S.; Oza, T.; Perez, E.N.; Tuttle Raz, L.J.; Sarkozy-Banoczy, S.; Wakwella, A. (2023) A guide for integrated conservation and sanitation programs and approaches. Wildlife Conservation Society. Pp. 1-143

TNC Authors

  • Kim Falinski
    Coastal and Estuarine Scientist, Hawai‘i
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: kim.falinski@tnc.org

  • Jos Hill
    Wastewater Pollution Program Director
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: jos.hill@tnc.org