Natura Sciences talks about LIFE ONG
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June 17 marks the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. On this occasion, Natura Sciences interviewed the WASH referent (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) Attaher Souleymane from our NGO LIFE.
He tells us about the essential role of wells in communities affected by drought exacerbated by climate change and about the actions of our NGO LIFE in terms of access to drinking water in the world.
The importance of sinks in arid regions
In countries like Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Cameroon, Cameroon, Benin, and Togo, drought and water scarcity are constant challenges. A heat wave in March-April 2024, with temperatures reaching 48.5°C in Mali, for example, illustrates the worsening of the situation linked to global warming. The construction of drinking water wells is therefore vital and urgent for the population of these countries.
Their advantages are innumerable.
They allow:
∙ Access to drinking water, essential for drinking, cooking and washing.
∙ Reducing the need to travel long distances to search for water. Children are going back to school and women have the opportunity to engage in income-generating activities.
∙ Improving public health : water-borne diseases such as cholera are decreasing.
∙ Economic development : the population is healthier and more productive.
∙ Food safety : the survival of the livestock is ensured as well as the irrigation of the crops (if there are no other alternatives).
∙ Biodiversity is preserved with the maintenance of natural habitats for wild species.
The importance of sustainable well management
To avoid the depletion of groundwater, it is crucial to implement sustainable water management, including monitoring systems and the involvement of local communities.
Ensuring the sustainability of projects
It is essential to encourage the ownership of wells by local communities. Our NGO LIFE is setting up Water Management Committees and a system of financial participation for the maintenance of wells.
The action of our NGO LIFE
Our NGO LIFE has built more than 2,000 wells in Africa and Asia over the last ten years. We work closely with local communities. Each project is carefully adapted to the specific needs of the region, taking into account geology and water conditions. We ensure that the wells are equipped with optimized pumping systems, whether manual, electric or solar. We also set up training courses for residents, teaching them best practices for maintaining wells, thus guaranteeing their long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Together, let's provide access to clean water in the world.
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