15th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference Tackles Climate Resilience in Pasifika

The 15th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo, as well as the 8th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum opened today (Tuesday 3rd September NZT) at the Cook Islands National Auditorium in Rarotonga. 

Hosted by Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) the weeks events will see over 300 individuals from 30 Pacific utility providers flock to Rarotonga where they will prioritise, coordinate and highlight the importance of water resilience and the need to rapidly accelerate access to safe, and clean sources of drinking water in the wake of climate change. 

The theme for this years conference is ‘Water resilience in the Pasifika – Navigating the currents of change for a climate resilient region’.

ICI Head of Ministry and Deputy Chair of the Pacifc Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) Board of Directors Elizabeth Wright-Koteka says:

 “Water is a fundamental source of life itself, yet it is often not given the appropriate level of priority in our development efforts.  Pacific peoples face shifts in weather patterns, manifesting variously as crippling droughts or devastating downpours which we experience in the Cook Islands, and it is time water is given the attention that deserves. We are pleased to host this year’s Ministerial Forum and Conference to ensure that these meetings drive some real action and seek financial commitments from our partners towards water resilience and a climate resilient Blue Pacific.”

The Conference and Expo will feature a range of events from site visits to workshops. From presentations to mini-forums and even a Young Water Professionals program! 

All events are aimed at advancing PWWA’s mission ‘To strengthen advocacy, collaboration and capacity building for sustainable and resilient water and sanitation.’ 

While much of the weeks events are focussed on matters pertaining to water, it is vital too to consider the importance of wastewater. 

“Wastewater refers to any water that has been used and contaminated through human activities. This can include water from households, businesses, industries, and agricultural practices. Wastewater often contains pollutants, toxins, and other substances that can be harmful to the environment and public health if not properly treated and disposed of” explained Young Water Professional and Cook Islands Waste Programme Coordinator Ngamata Tanga-Maruariki.

With much of Pacific facing the same challenges in water and wastewater management, the conference affords Pacific utility providers the opportunity to generate solutions to the regions shared problems. 

 PWWA CEO Pitolau Lusia Sefo-Leau says “We encourage our community to commit to accelerating the enhancement and development of adaptive and innovative ways for water resilience in our Pasifika in the face of global changes.  It is vital that we come together as a diverse group of stakeholders, each playing a pivotal role in shaping a water-secure future.” 

“Our organisation recognises the importance of water not just as a resource, but as a fundamental human right. We are committed to taking bold steps, leveraging innovative technologies, and fostering partnerships that will help us achieve Sustainable Development … ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.”

The conference will run alongside an expo where the newest water and wastewater technologies will be on display for utility providers to consider. The expo will feature over 40 booths from both regional and global vendors. 

The 15th Pacific Water and Wastewater conference and expo will take place from the 2-6th September (CKT).

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- Written by Teherenui Koteka