WASH in War

What can Norway learn from Ukraine about water preparedness?

WASH in War is a campaign with the goal of sharing experiences and knowledge from Ukraine.

Access to clean water is not a given in Ukraine. The situation is worse in the east, where massive Russian attacks have destroyed critical water infrastructure. This has given them experience and knowledge that can be of benefit to Norway. 

Critical infrastructure in Ukraine has been a key target of Russian attacks, with widespread consequences for the civilian population. Through 12 years of war in Donbas and four years of full-scale war throughout the country, Ukrainians have learned the hard-won lessons about the importance of water security.

Photo exhibition

To highlight and create awareness around the topic, Caritas Ukraine, in collaboration with us, has initiated a traveling photo exhibition. It is currently on display at the Nobel Peace Center, but will also tour around Norway.

The photo exhibition depicts the extensive destruction of Ukraine's water systems: dams, water towers, pipelines and cisterns. It is about distress, suffering and the lack of one of the most basic conditions for life: water. At the same time, it tells stories of ingenuity, perseverance and the will to find solutions in extreme conditions.

Water is a critical resource in every country. In Norway, it is not just access to clean drinking water that is at stake in the event of an attack on water infrastructure – nearly 90 percent of our electricity supply also depends on hydropower. The Ukrainians have learned a lot about how to handle attacks on water supplies.

Russia has learned how to destroy it. By learning from Ukraine's experiences, Norway can be better prepared if we are one day hit by a similar crisis.

Click here to read more about WASHinWar and personal stories .