How do you reconcile your company's mission to do good with the concern that much of your funding comes from sources far removed from the issues you're addressing?
RM: I believe you're hinting at greenwashing, which is a very fine line. As co-CEO of WATERisLIFE, I’m on the ground, and I see firsthand the impact that the projects have on people suffering from lack of safe water and poor sanitation. Even though some may view funding these projects as greenwashing, the donations make an enormous
difference, if deployed properly. We work with donors in whom we trust, and that have real commitment to make a change, even if they’re somewhat removed from the day-to-day of the issues we address.
Given the scale of the water crisis, how do you prioritize your interventions, especially in areas where the need seems overwhelming?
RM: We’re in a context where billions of dollars are invested in water projects around the world, but we still have 2 billion people without access to safe drinking water. That’s 26% of the world’s population, according to the UN. There's that uncomfortable gap between water technology investment and the daily reality of those in desperate need. More is required, so WATERisLIFE works to access relevant funding and to allocate it to impactful projects. We focus on human needs first and foremost, either for relief or more sustainable long-term solutions. We prioritize based on urgency, impact, feasibility, viability, community involvement and local empowerment.
Can you elaborate on the challenges specific to implementing water projects in different geographical contexts, such as Africa versus Latin America?
CT: The challenges vary significantly by region, due to environmental, cultural, social, and regulatory differences. In Africa, for example, the process can be a bit more straightforward, for projects like equipping a borehole. The need is dire, so there’s relative “ease” to get it done, if funds are available. In Latin America on the other hand, there’s more bureaucracy and additional steps to get projects off the ground. A big part of our expertise is the local adaptability of our projects.
How does industry impact water management, particularly in regions like sub Saharan Africa?
RM: There’s a growing commitment towards water stewardship within corporates, but still, the challenge of aligning industry contributions with the actual needs on the ground remains ever-present. Human impact through safe water is still struggling to make its way into core strategy, despite being one of the biggest crises we face today.
It’s difficult. I live in Nairobi, Kenya, and I see the need for corporates and NGOs to work more closely together, as we both need each other to really make a change.