How our nature-based projects provide safe and clean water for communities

Water is one of the most essential resources for life, yet millions of people around the world still lack access to clean and safe water.

According to the United Nations

, 2.2 billion people globally do not have safely managed drinking water sources, and over

4 billion people

experience severe water scarcity at least one month per year. These shortages show an urgent need to establish strong international mechanisms to prevent water crises.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a sustainable and effective way to address water challenges while delivering broader environmental and social benefits. These solutions leverage natural processes, such as restoring wetlands, planting forests and improving agricultural practices, to enhance water availability, improve water quality and protect ecosystems. 

It’s estimated that e

very dollar invested in water

and sanitation returns $4.3 and an estimated gain of 1.5% of global gross domestic product (GDP). By working with nature, carbon credit projects can help leverage this by providing long-term, cost-effective solutions to water management while supporting biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

One of the most impactful co-benefits provided by our projects is access to clean water, a critical component of the United Nations

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6

: Clean Water and Sanitation. This goal aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Our nature-based projects align with SDG 6 by:

The Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund project

is the first water fund in Africa that uses green infrastructure such as forests and wetlands to address the root cause of diminishing water quantity and quality in the region. The project uses different investments, including drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting pans to enhance potable water's quantity and quality. 

So far, the project has set up over 15,000 rainwater harvesting kits that provide communities with more reliable water supplies. It is also expected to contribute to an 11% increase in water availability for Nairobi, benefiting urban populations and surrounding rural farmers.

As part of its community support efforts, the

Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve project

has distributed 300 water filters to villages and installed three community-wide filtration systems. These initiatives improve access to clean drinking water, reducing the reliance on unsafe water sources and lowering the risk of waterborne diseases.

The EthioTrees project

invests in improving water availability by constructing percolation ponds on high slopes. These ponds capture and store rainwater, helping to replenish groundwater supplies and improve water access for local communities. By enhancing water availability, the project supports both agricultural productivity and household water needs, ultimately improving food security, livelihoods, and overall community resilience. 

The provision of reliable water sources contributes to better sanitation and health outcomes, particularly in this semi-arid region where water scarcity can have far-reaching social and economic impacts.

Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with

over 21 million people lacking safe drinking water

. The

Indus Delta project

is helping to address this crisis by providing clean drinking water access for up to 500 people per day. By ensuring a steady supply of safe water, the project reduces the risk of waterborne diseases and improves hygiene and sanitation practices within the community.

Nature-based solutions go beyond carbon removal and offer co-benefits that improve the lives of communities worldwide. For example, projects that enhance access to clean water also promote better health, provide food security and support economic empowerment. 

At Earthly, our

high-impact projects

undergo a rigorous assessment against 106 data points to ensure they deliver verified environmental and social outcomes. With the help of our trusted partners, we monitor projects to verify that they deliver the impact they claim, ensuring that local communities benefit as intended. 

When businesses support our projects, they offset over 110% of their emissions.

Talk to us

to see how you can make a tangible difference for your business, planet, and community.