In Uganda, over 45% of the rural population have no access to clean water and rely on unprotected wells and open water sources, which are often contaminated. In the rural areas of northern Uganda in particular, many households have to purify their water by boiling it with wood fires, which not only causes greenhouse gas emissions but also harbours health risks.
Numerous water points such as hand-pumped boreholes are no longer functional because repairs are too expensive or maintenance programmes are ineffective. This project aims to rehabilitate defective water points in the affected regions and ensure long-term maintenance. This gives communities access to clean, safe drinking water without having to burn wood.
Project goals
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the need to purify water by burning wood.
Rehabilitation of non-functioning water points to provide the population with continuous access to clean water.
Improving health conditions through safe access to drinking water.
Strengthening local structures through training in the independent maintenance of water points.
Engaging the community through educational measures to promote the sustainable use of water.
Technical details
Rehabilitation of existing but no longer functioning hand-pumped boreholes and other water sources.
Utilisation of emission-free technologies, such as hand pumps or gravity systems, to pump water.
Cooperation with community-based organisations (CBOs) and local water authorities to identify and repair defective water points.
Implement a maintenance programme to ensure quick repairs and empower communities to carry out minor works independently.
Organisation of annual WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) training sessions to raise awareness of clean water and hygiene measures among the population.
Economic and social benefits
Time savings: Households spend less time collecting water and firewood.
Health benefits: Reduction of diseases caused by unclean water.
Strengthening the local economy: Communities are involved in the maintenance of water points and empowered to take responsibility for their own water sources.
Social equality: Women and children, who are often responsible for fetching water, benefit in particular from shorter distances and better availability.
Global climate impact
Avoidance of deforestation: Less need for firewood contributes to the protection of local forests.
Reduction of CO2 emissions: By eliminating the need to burn wood for water purification, CO2 emissions are significantly reduced.
Support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Health & Wellbeing): 24,561 additional people benefit from clean water. SDG 5 (Gender Equality): 60% less time spent fetching water per household. SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): 29,520 additional people gain access to clean water. SDG 13 (Climate action): Reduction of 65,145 tCO2e per year.
The fulfilled Sustainable Development Goals
In addition to reducing CO2 emissions, the climate protection projects generate a variety of additional benefits for people and the environment. This enables and strengthens our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The aim is to ensure a healthy life for all people of all ages and to promote general well-being. It includes measures to reduce health risks from environmental pollution such as hazardous chemicals, air and water pollution. Environmental policy initiatives, such as the protection of air and soil and the reduction of noise pollution, make a significant contribution to achieving this goal.
It promotes gender equality and aims to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls. It calls for equal access to resources and equal opportunities in leadership positions and decision-making processes. The connection between gender equality and environmental policy is particularly important, especially with regard to the negative impact of environmental changes on women.
It ensures access to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities for all people. It includes the sustainable use of water resources, protection against pollution and the efficient management of water. The connection between water scarcity and the effects of climate change also plays a central role.
The aim is to take immediate action against climate change and its effects. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote climate adaptation measures and raise awareness of climate impacts. Particular emphasis is placed on international cooperation to support poorer countries in combating climate change and strengthening climate resilience.
It is committed to the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Forests, soils and biodiversity are to be preserved and the loss of habitats halted. Measures to combat desertification and poaching play a central role, as does the protection of endangered species.
Other ways to engage
Our two favorite projects, PROJECT TOGO and Deutschland Plus, offer you numerous opportunities to actively contribute to climate protection - far beyond CO2 offsetting.
