Belgium is a relatively flat country. Most of the landscape does not exceed 200 m in altitude. A few rivers cross the country, such as the Meuse and the Scheldt, and it rains a lot. As a result, there is a lot of water available. But Belgium is small (30,688 km²) and densely populated: nearly 11.5 million inhabitants in January 2019. In addition, the standard of living is high, which means that consumption patterns put pressure on the local environment and abroad. In addition, a lot of water is used. As a result, Belgium - contrary to what many believe - suffers from water stress.

Access to drinking water
100%
Access to sanitation
100%

Our ambition in Belgium

Our consumption patterns have an impact on global water challenges and determine the extent to which people in developing countries have access to water. That is why Join For Water is working to raise awareness in Flanders of the local and global importance of sustainable water use and a reduced water footprint.

Join For Water is involved in the implementation of SDG6 for drinking water and sanitation and keeps this topic on the political agenda. 

Our activities in Belgium

‘Project W’ (W for water) is the flagship of Join For Water in Belgium. This project involves 6 municipalities and their schools. Sustainable water use is at the centre and is in line with the objectives of sustainable development and the water footprint. 

We explain the water footprint with Superette Wa(l)ter. Our mini-market is open during workshops, fairs, events... so that each "customer" can measure his water footprint. Everyone can thus reflect on their indirect use of water, but also on the solutions that can be found here to meet the global water challenges. 

‘Think global, act local’ is what we do also in schools and municipalities.  Together, we are reducing the water footprint by raising awareness of the importance of sustainable water use in six key areas: food, paper, clothing, transport, electricity and direct water. We encourage public servants, employees, teachers and students to make sustainable choices: purchasing recycled paper, offering vegetarian food during events, exchanging sports uniforms, more digital communication... We professionalize teachers to incorporate sustainable development in their lessons.

The water footprint is also at the centre of our annual ‘World Water Day at School’ day of action. On the occasion of World Water Day, 22 March, Flemish schools are taking action to draw attention to the global importance of sustainable water use.

Our partners in Belgium

  • Ecolife
  • Djapo
  • VLAKWA 
  • VVSG 
  • Municipality of Bierbeek
  • City of Kortrijk
  • City of Roeselare
  • Municipality of Evergem
  • Municipality of Merelbeke
  • Municipality of Brasschaat
  • Schools

Financing and support

  • DGD - Directorate-general Development Cooperation
  • Province of  West Flanders
  • National Lottery