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SDG 6

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION 

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SDG6: Climate Change

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) in Bahrain

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In Bahrain, a small island nation with limited freshwater resources, achieving this goal is particularly challenging yet critical. The government of Bahrain has implemented various strategies to address water scarcity and improve sanitation services.

Government Initiatives

  • Water Resource Management: The Bahraini government has adopted a comprehensive approach to managing its limited water resources. This includes the development of desalination plants, which provide a significant portion of the country’s drinking water. As of recent years, Bahrain has invested in advanced desalination technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
  • Wastewater Treatment: The government has also focused on improving wastewater management. Investments in wastewater treatment facilities have increased the capacity to recycle and reuse water for irrigation and other non-potable uses, thereby conserving freshwater resources.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: To foster a culture of water conservation, Bahrain conducts public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the importance of water conservation and efficient usage.
  • Regulatory Framework: The government has established regulations that promote sustainable water use and sanitation practices. This includes guidelines for industries and urban planning to minimize water waste and protect aquifers.
  • International Collaboration: Bahrain actively participates in regional and international initiatives focused on water sustainability, sharing best practices, and learning from other nations facing similar challenges.

SDG 6 at Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain plays a significant role in promoting the principles of SDG 6 through its academic programs and community engagement initiatives.

  • Curriculum Development: ASU incorporates sustainability and water management topics into its curriculum across various disciplines, particularly in environmental science and engineering programs. Students are educated about the importance of water resources and the challenges associated with water scarcity.
  • Research Initiatives: The university encourages research projects that focus on innovative solutions for water conservation and management. Faculty and students engage in studies that explore new technologies for desalination, wastewater treatment, and sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Community Projects: ASU collaborates with local governments and organizations to implement community projects aimed at improving water quality and access to sanitation. These projects often involve students in hands-on experiences that reinforce their learning and commitment to sustainable practices.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Similar to government initiatives, ASU participates in awareness campaigns that educate the student body and the community about the importance of water conservation and sustainable practices.
  • Sustainability Committees: The university has established committees focused on sustainability, which include efforts to reduce water consumption on campus and promote practices that align with the goals of SDG 6.

Conclusion

Bahrain’s progress towards achieving SDG 6 reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable water management and sanitation practices. Educational institutions like ASU play a vital role in this endeavor, equipping future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to address water-related challenges. Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, both the government and ASU are working towards a more sustainable future for Bahrain.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation in Bahrain

https://www.sdgs.gov.bh/Goal/?ID=SAg/9rL2rwS19IITVAf7nw

The university is committed to supporting SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It also recognizes the importance of clean water and sanitation for the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The university has implemented several initiatives to support SDG 6 which will be discussed in this report.

Water consumption per person

https://www.asu.edu.bh/

Our monthly average consumption of water is 1324 cubic meter. We have approx. 3500 students and 200 University staff with around 40 subcontractor staff.  This makes the total of 3740 people use water at Campus.

Water consumption per person = 1324 / 3740 = 0.35 cubic meter per person.

The table shows the water consumption by months:

Water Usage and Care

https://www.asu.edu.bh/

The grey water system at Campus is a sustainable initiative that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The system has a capacity of 16 cubic meters per day, which is significant considering the amount of water that can be saved through its implementation.

The grey water system collects wastewater from the wash basins of the toilets and filters it for reuse in two ways: for flush tanks of the toilets and for irrigation purposes. This reduces the amount of fresh water that is required for these activities, thereby conserving water resources and promoting sustainable water management practices. The use of grey water for flushing toilets is particularly effective because it does not require high-quality water. Grey water is not suitable for drinking or cooking, but it is still safe for other uses such as flushing toilets and irrigating plants. By using grey water for these purposes, the demand for fresh water is reduced, and the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated is also minimized.

In addition to conserving water resources, the grey water system also helps to reduce the environmental impact of wastewater. Wastewater can contain pollutants such as chemicals, microorganisms, and other harmful substances that can contaminate water sources and negatively impact human health and the environment. By filtering and reusing grey water, the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated and discharged into the environment is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of pollution. Overall, the grey water system at Campus is a sustainable initiative that supports SDG 6 by promoting water conservation and sustainable water management practices. By implementing systems like this, universities can lead by example and encourage others to adopt similar sustainable practices for a more sustainable future.

In addition, the university installed auto shut water tabs for toilets, auto shut water tabs is an innovative solution that can contribute to SDG 6- Clean Water and Sanitation. The University can play a crucial role in promoting the use of such technologies through its Water Usage and Care program.

The Water Usage and Care program at ASU aims to promote responsible water usage and conservation in Bahrain and beyond. The program’s approach involves working with communities to raise awareness about water-related issues, promote water conservation practices, and implement innovative solutions that reduce water consumption.

Auto shut water tabs for toilets are a prime example of such solutions. These tabs are designed to automatically shut off the flow of water to the toilet once a pre-determined amount of water has been used. This can significantly reduce water consumption.

By promoting the use of auto shut water tabs for toilets, ASU’s Water Usage and Care program can contribute to SDG 6 by reducing water consumption and promoting responsible water usage. The program can also raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and encourage individuals to adopt water-saving practices.

Free Drinking Water Provided

https://www.asu.edu.bh/

ASU recognizes the importance of providing free drinking water to promote access to clean water and support SDG 6 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. As part of its commitment to sustainability, ASU provides free drinking water to students, staff, and visitors through drinking water fountains located throughout its campus.

By providing free drinking water, ASU is promoting healthy hydration habits among its community members and reducing the need for single-use plastic water bottles. This initiative not only supports SDG 6 but also contributes to other sustainable development goals such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

The drinking water dispensers at ASU are designed to provide safe and clean drinking water to students, staff, and visitors.  By providing free drinking water, ASU is also promoting sustainable practices and reducing its environmental impact. Single-use plastic water bottles contribute to plastic pollution and take a significant amount of energy to produce and transport. By reducing the use of single-use plastic water bottles, ASU is promoting responsible consumption and production and helping to reduce its carbon footprint.

Overall, the provision of free drinking water at ASU supports SDG 6 by promoting access to clean water and sustainable water management practices. By encouraging healthy hydration habits and reducing the use of single-use plastic water bottles, ASU is contributing to a more sustainable future for all.

Water in the Community:

Applied Science University Visited the United Nation House

https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v8/

The visit of Applied Science University (ASU) to the United Nation House in Manama on February 5, 2019, represents a contribution to SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. The visit was organized by ASU’s Community Engagement Office in coordination with the Department of Political Science and College of Law.

During the visit, the UN Information Center Director talked about the UN’s responsibilities, roles, and activities, while the Resident Representative of UNDP in Bahrain delivered a lecture on Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 6. ASU’s academic staff and students participated in discussions on the topics raised during the visit, presenting ideas and discussing prospects of cooperation that can be made between ASU and the UN House.

ASU’s readiness to cooperate in supporting UN initiatives in various fields, including SDG 6, highlights the university’s commitment to promoting responsible water usage and conservation. Through its Community Engagement Office, ASU can collaborate with the UN to implement innovative solutions that reduce water consumption, promote water conservation practices, and raise awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation.

Green metric Ranking

https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v8/

Applied Science University in Bahrain is committed to supporting and preserving the environment, and is considered one of the leading institutions in the region in the field of environmental sustainability. The university has taken several innovative initiatives to protect the environment, improve the quality of life, and promote environmental awareness among students, staff, and the local community.

One of the university’s initiatives to protect and preserve the environment is the provision of energy-efficient lighting systems in the campus and other buildings. The university also collaborates with the local community in organizing campaigns to clean beaches and green spaces and promote agriculture to improve public health and the environment. In addition, the university collaborates with local government and community organizations to organize environmental awareness campaigns and participate in environmental conservation and development initiatives. The university encourages its staff to contribute to environmental protection and improve the quality of life.

Applied Science University has achieved a high ranking in the 2022 UI Green Metric World University Rankings, ranking first among private universities locally, 35th among Arab universities, and 407th globally. The university’s ranking in this prestigious position is due to its commitment to achieving sustainable development in all its economic, social, and environmental aspects, and its focus on green environmental standards. The university’s building design considers environmentally friendly considerations, with sustainable building materials used in construction. The university places great importance on protecting the environment, improving the quality of life, and promoting the use of renewable energy such as solar energy. The university is also working to improve its operational processes to reduce natural resource consumption, waste, and harmful emissions.

It is worth noting that the Green Metric ranking classifies universities based on the sustainability of their operations and their commitment to clean environmental standards. The report is based on several criteria related to the environment and sustainability within the campus, including infrastructure, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, implementation of integrated solid and liquid waste management principles, transportation, and the level of educational and research operations.

Cooperation on water security

The university promotes cooperation on water security through its research papers. Through its research, ASU is contributing to the development of effective policies and practices to ensure water security in Bahrain, which is essential for the country’s economic growth and social development. The relevant research papers for this are:

Khairi   Omar (2022), BENEFIT – Cost Analysis of Flood Management, a Case Study of  JAMMU AND Kashmir. https://www.naturalspublishing.com/Article.asp?ArtcID=22749