United Nations Environment Programme Global Environmental Monitoring System for Water, Capacity Development Centre (UNEP GEMS/Water CDC)

Dr. Timothy Sullivan, UNEP GEMS/Water Capacity Development Centre & Environmental Research Institute

Impact: International

The UNEP GEMS/Water CDC based in UCC was founded in 2015 to provide global capacity development in water quality monitoring and assessment tailored to meet the needs of developing countries. Since then, the Centre has trained over 330 people in 108 countries from around the world on water quality monitoring, which is fundamental to successful achievement of SDG target 6.3 on water and sanitation. The Centre encourages best practice in collecting water quality data across national, regional and global assessments through research on stakeholder needs, best practice and innovation in all aspects of water quality monitoring and assessment. The CDC is the designated partner, on behalf of UNEP, to provide technical support in implementing the monitoring methodology for indicator 6.3.2, which requires progress towards “Good Ambient Water Quality” by 2030.

Key activities have included development of the 6.3.2 indicator methodology, piloting and refining the methodology, providing in-country support for the global rollout of the indicator, producing interactive on-line tutorials on the technical implementation of the methodology for the indicator, delivering in-situ workshops and advice, and leading on the reporting of the global results for SDG indicator 6.3.2. Additionally, the Centre’s research on the potential for the use of citizen monitoring of water quality for indicator SDG 6.3.2, has successfully led to its implementation in developing countries. The CDC focuses on inclusivity and openness in training to maximise participation and access and takes great pride in having designed and delivered training at national, regional and international level, including free courses, university accredited continuous professional development courses, and a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and MSc in water quality monitoring and assessment.

SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.3 - Improve water quality, wastewater treatment and safe reuse

SDG 4 - Quality Education

• Target 4.7 - Education for sustainable development and global citizenship

Bridging the Gap between the Environment and Human Health 

Dr. Jean O’Dwyer, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences & Environmental Research Institute & SFI Centre for Research in Applied Geoscience (iCRAG)

Impact: Local, National, International

This research aims to bridge the gap between the natural environment and human health. This involves an assessment of the links between water contamination and waterborne infectious disease, as well as the impact of climate change on human health and wellbeing. Research into groundwater contamination, both nationally and internationally, has provided a mechanistic understanding of the source, fate and transport of microbiological contaminants of drinking water allowing for the creation of models to 'predict' contamination events and safeguard human health. Research into the impacts of Climate Change on human wellbeing has shown that, globally, there is a greater than 90% likelihood of a negative psychological outcome for those who experience an Extreme Weather Event, with women and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged particularly at risk.

This research has shed light on the link between our natural environment and human health, resulting in increased funding for research in this area (via the Environmental Protection Agency and Science Foundation Ireland) and more outputs highlighting this important research area.

SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities

SDG 6 and International Water Law: Consensus and Complementarity

Professor Owen McIntyre, School of Law

Impact: Local, National, International

Research is being undertaken to explore how implementation of SDG 6, and the values enshrined therein, will influence the continuing evolution of international water resources law, whilst also examining how established legal frameworks will play a central role in shaping the actions necessary for realisation of SDG 6, despite the latter's non-legally binding character. The intention behind this ongoing research is to highlight the relevance of the global consensus reached on the SDGs for effective implementation of the corresponding legal commitments of State and other actors. Results are disseminated widely through academic channels and policy engagement, including a recent report prepared for the intergovernmental Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) on 'The Status of Transboundary Water Governance and Implementation of SDG Indicator 6.5.2 in the Nile Basin' (May 2022).

“This research aims to illustrate the close, two-way interrelationship between international law and the SDGs by exploring the mutually supportive approaches embodied in international water, environmental and human rights law and in SDG 6. The former bodies of law continue to develop rules and principles intended to promote normatively broad and inclusive rights to water and sanitation and to require environmental protection of shared international water resources and the ecosystems dependent thereon. However, the articulation and solemn adoption of SDG 6 by almost the entire international community of States represents a universal formal political commitment to such values, which can only serve further to legitimise and inform such emerging norms.”

– Prof. Owen McIntyre

SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.1 - Safe and afforable drinking water
• Target 6.2 - End open defecation and provide access to sanitation and hygiene
• Target 6.3 - Improve water quality, wastewater treatment and safe reuse
• Target 6.4 - Increase water-use efficiency and ensure freshwater supplies
• Target 6.5 - Implement integrated water resources management
• Target 6.6 - Protect and restore water-related ecosystems

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth