What is the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA)?

The Sustainable Sanitation Alliance, known by its acronym SuSanA, is a collaborative network comprising organizations that are dedicated to working together towards the common goal of achieving sustainable sanitation. It functions as a platform for these entities to align their efforts and initiatives in this critical area.

When was SuSanA established and what was its initial purpose?

SuSanA commenced its operations in 2007. The primary intention behind its creation was to establish a unified label for planned activities leading up to the United Nations' International Year of Sanitation in 2008 and to coordinate the efforts of various organizations involved in sustainable sanitation.

What is the scale of SuSanA's network in terms of membership?

As of March 2021, the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) boasted a substantial network, comprising over 360 partner organizations and more than 13,000 individual members. This indicates a broad and active participation in its initiatives.

What is the function of SuSanA's discussion forum?

The discussion forum hosted by SuSanA operates as a Community of Practice (CoP). A Community of Practice is essentially a group of individuals who share a common interest or passion for a particular subject and learn from each other through regular interaction, aiming to improve their collective knowledge and skills.

Does SuSanA operate as a formal non-governmental organization (NGO)?

No, SuSanA is not a non-governmental organization (NGO). It lacks a formal legal structure and does not collect membership fees, functioning instead as a loose network that encourages organizations to join and actively participate.

What was the role of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in supporting SuSanA?

Between 2012 and 2018, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provided co-funding for various improvements to the SuSanA platform. This support specifically contributed to the online Discussion Forum, the project database, Wikipedia editing initiatives, and other enhancements to the SuSanA website.

What is the main objective of SuSanA in relation to global development goals?

SuSanA is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This involves promoting systems that meet specific criteria for sustainability.

How does SuSanA position itself among other knowledge management platforms in the WASH sector?

SuSanA is recognized as one of several important knowledge management platforms within the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector. It operates alongside other initiatives and groups that facilitate information sharing and collaboration in this field.

What are some examples of other knowledge management platforms mentioned in the WASH sector?

Besides SuSanA, the text mentions other knowledge management platforms in the WASH sector, including the LinkedIn Discussion Group "Community of Practice on Sanitation and Hygiene in Developing Countries" (now defunct) by WSSCC, Blue Planet, the International Water Association (IWA), and Akvopedia.

What kind of events does SuSanA organize?

SuSanA organizes a variety of events to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. These include regular meetings held globally, side events, seminars, and working group meetings, often in conjunction with major WASH conferences.

How does SuSanA contribute to public knowledge resources like Wikipedia?

Members of SuSanA actively contribute to Wikipedia by improving articles related to WASH topics. This effort helps to disseminate accurate information and enhance the quality of online resources concerning water, sanitation, and hygiene.

On which specific international observance days do SuSanA members focus their Wikipedia editing efforts?

SuSanA members are particularly active in contributing to Wikipedia articles around two key international observance days: World Water Day, celebrated on March 22nd, and World Toilet Day, observed on November 19th. This targeted effort aims to raise awareness and improve information availability on these important dates.

What is the purpose of the 'List of abbreviations used in sanitation' created by SuSanA?

SuSanA has established a 'List of abbreviations used in sanitation' as a resource to standardize and clarify terminology within the sector. This helps improve communication and understanding among professionals and organizations working in sanitation.

What is SuSanA's financial model, given its lack of formal structure?

SuSanA operates without a formal budget or income, as it lacks a legal structure. Instead, its activities are supported by contributions of time and resources from its partner organizations, who allocate funds from their own budgets.

Besides the primary funders, who else contributes to SuSanA's operations?

In addition to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, several active core group partners also contribute financially and in-kind. These include organizations like SEI, seecon, BORDA, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, IWA, and WASTE, who fund travel costs, seminars, and publications.

What significant collaboration occurred between WSSCC and SuSanA in 2020?

In 2020, the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) announced a strengthened collaboration with SuSanA by merging its Community of Practice platform into the SuSanA Discussion Forum. This merger also included financial support for the moderation of the SuSanA Discussion Forum.

How has SuSanA influenced the global discourse on sanitation?

SuSanA's activities have significantly increased awareness regarding sustainability within the sanitation sector. Its members played a crucial role in the Post-2015 Development Agenda, contributing to the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 6, which addresses universal access to sustainable sanitation services.

Which prominent foundation has adopted the theme of innovative sanitation, influenced by SuSanA's work?

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is noted as a major actor that has embraced the theme of innovative sanitation, including concepts like the reuse of excreta, partly influenced by the work and discussions within the SuSanA network.

In what broader thematic dialogues has sustainable sanitation become a relevant topic?

Sustainable sanitation has increasingly become a topic within broader dialogues such as the nexus of water, energy, and food, as well as within the integrated themes of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and nutrition.

What 'intermediary role' does SuSanA play in the global context?

SuSanA fulfills an 'intermediary role' within a global innovation system. This means it acts as a bridge or facilitator, connecting different actors, knowledge, and resources to drive innovation and progress in the field of sustainable sanitation.

In which specific area of sanitation has SuSanA been identified as a 'prime mover'?

SuSanA has been identified as a 'prime mover' in the development of 'safely managed non-grid sanitation'. This designation highlights its leading role in advancing solutions for sanitation systems that operate effectively and safely without relying on centralized grid infrastructure.

How many thematic working groups does SuSanA operate, and what is their purpose?

SuSanA manages 13 thematic working groups. These groups are dedicated to addressing specific areas within sustainable sanitation where conceptual development and knowledge management are essential, facilitating focused collaboration and expertise.

What are the 13 thematic working groups within the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance?

The 13 thematic working groups within SuSanA cover a diverse range of topics: 1. Capacity development, 2. Market development, 3. Renewable energies and climate change, 4. Sanitation systems, technology options, hygiene and health (including hand washing), 5. Food security and productive sanitation systems (reuse of excreta), 6. Cities and planning, 7. Community, rural and schools (including gender and social aspects, and community-led total sanitation), 8. Emergency and reconstruction situations (emergency sanitation), 9. Public awareness, advocacy and civil society engagement, 10. Operation and maintenance, 11. Groundwater protection (including groundwater pollution issues), 12. WASH and nutrition (including malnutrition issues), and 13. Behavior change (public health).

Approximately how many partner organizations were part of SuSanA as of March 2021?

As of March 2021, the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) included over 360 partner organizations within its network.

What types of organizations are partners within the SuSanA network?

The partner organizations within SuSanA represent a wide spectrum of entities, including Local NGOs, International NGOs, private sector companies, research and educational institutions, governmental and state-owned organizations, multi-lateral organizations, associations and networks, and other types of organizations.

What is the requirement for new organizations wishing to join SuSanA as partners?

Prospective new partner organizations are required to formally agree to the SuSanA vision document upon joining the network. This ensures alignment with the alliance's core principles and goals.

What did the 2014 network analysis reveal about the relationships among SuSanA partners?

A network analysis study conducted in 2014 found that SuSanA partners generally exhibit strong levels of trust, cooperation, and information exchange with one another. This suggests a cohesive and collaborative internal dynamic within the alliance.

What limitation was identified regarding the diversity of relationships among SuSanA partners?

The 2014 network analysis study highlighted a limitation in the diversity of relationships among SuSanA partners, noting a tendency towards lower interaction between partners in different economic zones, such as between developing and developed countries.

According to the 2014 study, what was a primary reason many SuSanA partners cited for their membership?

The 2014 network analysis indicated that many SuSanA partners primarily utilized their membership to receive information from the alliance's discussion forum. This suggests the forum serves as a key channel for knowledge dissemination within the network.

Can individuals become members of SuSanA, and what was the membership count in March 2021?

Yes, individuals can join SuSanA as members. As of March 2021, the alliance had nearly 13,000 individual members.

What criticism has SuSanA faced regarding its thematic focus?

SuSanA has faced criticism from some within the WASH sector for a perceived dominance of the 'ecosan' (ecological sanitation) theme. This perception is partly attributed to the strong focus on ecosan by two of its founding organizations, the Stockholm Environment Institute and GIZ.

What other criticisms have been directed at SuSanA?

Beyond the thematic focus, criticisms have included that SuSanA is too technology-centric, too dominated by individuals from the Global North, too heavily influenced by GIZ (which leads the secretariat), and too theoretical, lacking connection to practical realities on the ground.

How has SuSanA attempted to address the perceived dominance of the Global North?

To mitigate the perceived dominance of actors from the Global North, SuSanA established local 'chapters' in India in 2016, West Asia and North Africa (WANA) in 2017, and Latin America in 2018. These regional presences aim to increase local engagement and representation.

What challenges does SuSanA face regarding its reach in non-English speaking regions?

SuSanA has limited impact in non-English speaking parts of the world, particularly in regions like Russia or Central Asia. The alliance also lacks regional nodes or dedicated offices, which may contribute to this challenge.

What steps has the SuSanA core group taken in response to criticisms?

In response to criticisms, the SuSanA core group has taken several steps, including defining a mission statement in 2014, developing a roadmap for future development, and hosting an open discussion forum to address these issues. They have also implemented recommendations for future growth.

What key recommendations were made in 2014 for SuSanA's future development?

Recommendations made in 2014 for SuSanA's future development included continuing to hold meetings in diverse global locations, establishing regional nodes, revitalizing the thematic working groups, and fostering more active member engagement to strengthen relationships among partners.

When and where did the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) officially begin?

The Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) began its operations in January 2007 with its first meeting held in Eschborn, Germany, hosted at the facilities of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

How has the development of SuSanA been categorized into phases?

A research project conducted in 2020 analyzed the evolution of SuSanA and divided its development into three distinct phases: Phase 1 (2007–2009) focused on Alignment and articulation; Phase 2 (2010–2016) concentrated on Supporting learning processes; and Phase 3 (2017–present) is characterized by Directionality and global reach.

What related topics are listed under the 'See also' section for SuSanA?

The 'See also' section lists several related topics, including the List of abbreviations used in sanitation, List of water supply and sanitation by country, Sanitation itself, WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene), the Human right to water and sanitation, and Water issues in developing countries.

What is the official website address for the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance?

The official website for the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA) can be accessed at www.susana.org.

Where can additional media related to the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance be found?

Additional media, such as photographs and documents related to the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance, can be found on Wikimedia Commons, specifically within the category dedicated to SuSanA.

What is the purpose of the Medical Wikipedia app mentioned in the external links?

The Medical Wikipedia app is a tool designed to allow users to view Wikipedia's health care articles offline. This is particularly useful for individuals who may have limited or no internet access.

What does the logo of the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance represent?

The image displays the official logo of the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA), symbolizing the organization's identity and mission.

What does the logo for the SuSanA Discussion Forum signify?

This image shows the logo for the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance's (SuSanA) Discussion Forum, indicating the platform used for online community interaction and knowledge sharing.

What does the photograph of SuSanA members at the 18th meeting in Stockholm depict?

The photograph captures SuSanA members gathered during the 18th SuSanA meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden, illustrating the collaborative nature of the alliance's gatherings.

What event is shown in the image of SuSanA members in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2011?

This image depicts SuSanA members attending the 13th SuSanA meeting, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2011, showcasing participation from different regions.

What does the image of the SuSanA booth at AfricaSan in 2011 represent?

The image shows a SuSanA booth set up at the AfricaSan event in Kigali, Rwanda, during 2011, indicating the alliance's presence and outreach at significant sector conferences.

Who is pictured in the photograph from the AfricaSan seminar in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2011?

This photograph features Uschi Eid from UNSGAB participating in a SuSanA seminar at AfricaSan in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2011, highlighting engagement from key individuals and organizations.

Sustainable Sanitation Alliance Wiki: The SuSanA Nexus: Global Collaboration for Sustainable Sanitation

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What is SuSanA?

A Collaborative Network

The Sustainable Sanitation Alliance, commonly known as SuSanA, operates as a collaborative network of organizations dedicated to advancing sustainable sanitation practices globally. Established in 2007, its inception preceded the United Nations' International Year of Sanitation in 2008, aiming to unify efforts and create a cohesive platform for related activities.¹

Community of Practice

SuSanA functions as a dynamic Community of Practice (CoP), fostering knowledge exchange and alignment among its diverse membership. Its vision document, developed by partners in 2007, provides a foundational definition for sustainable sanitation.⁴

Membership and Structure

As of March 2021, the alliance comprises over 360 partner organizations and engages nearly 13,000 individual members.²³ Notably, SuSanA is structured as a network rather than a formal non-governmental organization; it possesses no distinct legal entity, does not levy membership fees, and encourages active participation in its thematic working groups.

Key Initiatives

Global Meetings and Events

SuSanA convenes regular meetings globally, typically one before or during the World Water Week in Stockholm and another in the Global South, often coinciding with other WASH events. These gatherings, alongside side events, seminars, and dedicated working group meetings, facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among members.

Knowledge Dissemination

A significant initiative involves SuSanA members contributing to Wikipedia articles related to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). This effort is particularly amplified around key international observance days, such as World Water Day (March 22) and World Toilet Day (November 19).⁷⁸ The alliance also maintains a "List of abbreviations used in sanitation".⁹

Funding & Support

German Government Support

The operational secretariat of SuSanA is primarily funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH managing this mandate.¹⁰

Foundation and Partner Contributions

Between 2012 and 2018, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provided co-funding for enhancements to the SuSanA platform, including its online discussion forum and project database.¹⁰¹¹¹² Additionally, various partner organizations, such as SEI, seecon, BORDA, and IWA, contribute resources through staff time, travel costs, and the funding of seminars and publications.¹⁰

Collaborative Mergers

In 2020, the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) integrated its Community of Practice platform into the SuSanA Discussion Forum, signifying a strengthened collaboration and including financial support for forum moderation.¹³

Global Impact

Advancing Sustainability Awareness

SuSanA's activities have demonstrably increased global awareness regarding the importance of sustainability within the sanitation sector. The alliance played a role in shaping the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to the inclusion of SDG 6, which targets universal access to safe and sustainable sanitation services that uphold public health and dignity.

Defining Sustainable Sanitation

The core definition of sustainable sanitation, adopted by SuSanA partners, emphasizes systems that are "economically viable, socially acceptable, technically and institutionally appropriate, and protect health, the environment and natural resources."⁵

Role in Innovation

SuSanA serves as a crucial intermediary within global innovation systems, recognized as a "prime mover" in the development of "safely managed non-grid sanitation."¹⁵ Its influence extends to dialogues concerning the water-energy-food nexus and the integration of WASH with nutrition initiatives.¹⁴

Organizational Framework

Thematic Working Groups

SuSanA is structured around 13 thematic working groups, each focusing on specific areas critical to advancing sustainable sanitation. These groups facilitate focused knowledge management and conceptual development.

Capacity development
Market development
Renewable energies and climate change
Sanitation systems, technology options, hygiene and health (includes hand washing)
Food security and productive sanitation systems (reuse of excreta)
Cities and planning
Community, rural and schools (with gender and social aspects, includes community-led total sanitation)
Emergency and reconstruction situations (emergency sanitation)
Public Awareness, advocacy and civil society engagement
Operation and maintenance
Groundwater protection (includes groundwater pollution issues)
WASH and nutrition (includes issues on malnutrition)
Behavior change

Partner Organizations

The alliance collaborates with a broad spectrum of over 360 partner organizations (as of March 2021), encompassing local and international NGOs, private sector entities, research and educational institutions, governmental bodies, multi-lateral organizations, and associations.² All prospective partners must formally agree to the SuSanA vision document upon joining.

Individual Membership

Beyond organizational partnerships, individuals can join SuSanA as members. As of March 2021, the network includes nearly 13,000 individual members, contributing diverse perspectives and expertise.³

Hurdles & Criticisms

Perceived Dominance and Focus

SuSanA has faced criticism regarding a perceived dominance of the "ecosan" (ecological sanitation) theme, partly due to the strong influence of its founding organizations. Some critiques also point to an overemphasis on technological aspects rather than non-technical issues, and a perceived detachment from ground-level realities.

Global North Influence

Concerns have been raised about the network's activities being predominantly driven by actors in the Global North, particularly European entities. While SuSanA has established local chapters in India, West Asia/North Africa (WANA), and Latin America to mitigate this, its impact in non-English speaking regions remains limited.¹⁵

Addressing Criticisms

In response to these critiques, SuSanA has defined a mission statement (2014), developed a strategic roadmap, and hosts an open discussion forum for addressing such issues. Recommendations for future development include establishing regional nodes, reactivating working groups, and fostering greater member engagement.¹⁰¹⁷

Evolution of SuSanA

Foundational Years

SuSanA commenced operations in January 2007 with its inaugural meeting in Eschborn, Germany, hosted by GIZ. The primary impetus for its creation was to prepare for the 2008 International Year of Sanitation and to foster alignment among organizations active in the sustainable sanitation sector.¹⁸

Developmental Phases

Research conducted in 2020 delineated SuSanA's development into three distinct phases:

Phase 1 (2007–2009): Alignment and articulation of goals.
Phase 2 (2010–2016): Supporting learning processes and knowledge exchange.
Phase 3 (2017–present): Focus on directionality and expanding global reach.

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References

SuSanA (2008). Towards more sustainable sanitation solutions - SuSanA Vision Document. Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA)

SuSanA (2019). A standard set of Powerpoint slides to explain SuSanA. SuSanA Secretariat, located at GIZ, Eschborn, Germany

A full list of references for this article are available at the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not represent the most current or exhaustive information available.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein does not constitute expert consultation in fields such as global development, public health, environmental science, or engineering. Users should consult with qualified professionals for specific applications and contexts. Reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.

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The SuSanA Nexus

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is SuSanA? ℹ️

🤝 A Collaborative Network

💡 Community of Practice

👥 Membership and Structure

Key Initiatives 🗓️

🌐 Global Meetings and Events

✍️ Knowledge Dissemination

Funding & Support 💰

🇩🇪 German Government Support

🤝 Foundation and Partner Contributions

🔗 Collaborative Mergers

Global Impact 📈

🌟 Advancing Sustainability Awareness

🎯 Defining Sustainable Sanitation

🚀 Role in Innovation

Organizational Framework 🏗️

🧩 Thematic Working Groups

🏢 Partner Organizations

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Individual Membership

Hurdles & Criticisms ⚠️

🗣️ Perceived Dominance and Focus

🌍 Global North Influence

💬 Addressing Criticisms

Evolution of SuSanA ⏳

📜 Foundational Years

phases Developmental Phases

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer 📜

⚠️ Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is SuSanA?

A Collaborative Network

Community of Practice

Membership and Structure

Key Initiatives

Global Meetings and Events

Knowledge Dissemination

Funding & Support

German Government Support

Foundation and Partner Contributions

Collaborative Mergers

Global Impact

Advancing Sustainability Awareness

Defining Sustainable Sanitation

Role in Innovation

Organizational Framework

Thematic Working Groups

Partner Organizations

Individual Membership

Hurdles & Criticisms

Perceived Dominance and Focus

Global North Influence

Addressing Criticisms

Evolution of SuSanA

Foundational Years

Developmental Phases

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice