OSA Community,
I am thrilled to share pivotal updates with you as we reflect on a transformative year for the organization and the broader movement. As the pressures and cascading effects of sewage and wastewater pollution collide with local, regional, and global shocks and stresses to our waterways and ocean, we know that our combined efforts must be bolder and more collaborative than ever.
We completed a strategic and operational planning process, focusing steadfastly on our enhanced mission to eliminate sewage and wastewater pollution from our ocean and waterways, advancing equitable and holistic actions that benefit people and nature.
Supporting that mission, we reset ourselves on four foundational goals: build the case for action, unite our voice, empower champions, and facilitate and move funds. As we advanced these goals over the past year, this year, OSA partners, staff, and steering committee members contributed to the recent SNAPP publication, “A Guide for Integrated Conservation & Sanitation Programs and Approaches.” The Uniting Our Voice and Cross-sector Collaboration working groups launched a market research project and began developing a story map to highlight the collective efforts of our partners.
Additionally, OSA has conducted a global innovator review to further break down industry silos and foster new partnerships. We have taken the messages and lessons to further stages and platforms around the globe while adding new partners and stakeholders to our larger cause. 2024 promises more of that growth, awareness, and impact.
I am confident that our shared dedication will propel us toward continued success. Thank you for your unwavering support and engagement, and together, let us champion the fight against ocean sewage and wastewater pollution.
Sincerely,
Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy
Steering Committee Chair
Download the 2023 Annual Report
Growing Our Network
In 2023, we welcomed five new partners into the growing Ocean Sewage Alliance: Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), Project Seagrass, renasys, Running Tide, and Global Island Partnership (GLISPA).
With our diverse Partner network we can break down silos between water, sanitation and ocean conservation practitioners so that we may collaboratively find solutions to eliminate sewage and wastewater pollution in ways individual organizations cannot achieve on their own.
Reaching New Audiences
Engaging in high-profile events such as the World Ocean Summit & Expo, Nippon Roundtable, NY Water Week, UN Water Conference, SIWI World Water Week, Water Environment Federation's Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), Clinton Global Initiative, Climate Week, UN General Assembly, and Tomorrow.Blue Economy Congress provides a unique platform to amplify our message on the severe consequences of sewage and wastewater pollution.
By participating in these gatherings, we seize the opportunity to reach diverse audiences, from policymakers at the UN General Assembly to industry leaders at WEFTEC, fostering meaningful conversations about the urgent need for integrated, holistic solutions.
These events serve as a pivotal stage to catalyze awareness and collaboration, driving collective action toward a sustainable and pollution-free future for our oceans and water ecosystems.
By actively participating in influential events like Tomorrow.Blue Economy Congress, we not only broaden our reach but also contribute to shaping a global narrative that prioritizes sustainable practices for the benefit of our precious water resources.
Advancing Our Goals
Build the Case For Action
OSA partners, members and steering committee contributed their expertise to the Science for Nature and People Partnership Improving Coastal Health Working Group publication, ‘A Guide for Integrated Conservation & Sanitation Programs and Approaches.’ The purpose of this guide is to raise stakeholder awareness on the detrimental effects of poor sanitation and wastewater pollution on ocean health, emphasizing the need for integrated solutions that benefit human and ecosystem health while enhancing climate resilience. Additionally, it offers guidance for fostering partnerships between the conservation and sanitation sectors.
Unite Our Voice
OSA Uniting Our Voice working group launched a market research survey seeking insights from professionals in the coastal fisheries, aquaculture, and conservation sectors to understand interests, challenges, communication methods, and relationships to ocean water quality.
Empower Champions
OSA conducted a global innovator review to identify key stakeholders who are advancing sewage and wastewater technology that will serve as a core network of experts to support champions implementing solutions.
Unite Our Voice & Empower Champions
OSA Cross-sector Collaboration working group is developing the partners story map to show the breadth and variety of efforts to address ocean sewage pollution and achieve Sustainable Development Goals across the alliance.
Ocean sewage and wastewater pollution is a multifaceted challenge with far-reaching implications. Addressing it requires a collaborative effort that considers the intersections with public health, tourism, marine ecosystems, climate change, food security, sustainable development goals, inequality, and more. By recognizing these connections and working across sectors, we can mitigate the devastating impacts of pollution and move toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Sparking Global Conversation
Over the past year, OSA has actively engaged with diverse audiences through various media platforms. Notable instances include insightful contributions on the Zuloo Pōōdcast, engaging interviews with thought leaders like Kassie Morton from our partners at The Nature Conservancy and Chris Clapp, as well as a dynamic conversation on “Friday Flush: Let’s Talk Poo” featuring prominent partners and members like Kim Worsham of FLUSH, Shawn Shafner from The Poop Project, and Lina Zeldovich author of The Other Dark Matter.
OSA’s media presence extended to The Playfull Podcast, where Acting Executive Director and Steering Committee Chair Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy delved into the taboo topics surrounding sewage and sanitation. These interactions reflect OSA’s commitment to fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and sharing expertise on sanitation and wastewater issues across diverse and influential platforms.
Additionally, the OSA website stands as a comprehensive resource with a notable highlight being the Knowledge Hub and Library crafted by the dedicated Knowledge Hub working group last year. This dynamic hub is a treasure trove of in-depth insights, research, and educational materials, serving as a valuable tool for practitioners, funders, stakeholders, researchers, and the public alike.
Not only does it centralize crucial information on sewage and wastewater pollution issues but also reflects the Alliance’s commitment to knowledge-sharing, fostering a global community dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by our oceans.
