Federal University of Paraná
The Pitch
The Federal University of Paraná co-designed a new sanitation system with the community to improve local health, restore the environment and improve residents’ quality of life.
The Problem
Insufficient sanitation systems in Paraná caused environmental pollution and health problems.
The Process
- Collaborated, learned from and shared knowledge with the community to design a new sanitation system
- Installed sewage treatment systems in schools and homes
The Impact
- Improved residents' health and quality of life, especially for the elderly and low-income families (who are more at risk for illness due to unsanitary conditions)
- Saved families money on medical expenses and water sanitation
- Reduced the occurrence of waterborne diseases, especially among children, which in turn improved their school attendance and educational outcomes
- Ensured that the new program adequately and accurately addressed community needs by using a collaborative model
- Created a strong sense of community ownership over the sanitation system by the program’s completion
- Allowed residents to fully enjoy the natural environment and swim in the bay without the risk of contracting diseases
- Encouraged behavioral changes, like using biodegradable cleaning products
- Inspired neighboring municipalities implement their own ecologically-rooted and community-based sanitation systems
