Call For Water Professionals To Join Crisis Response Register

A new centrally held register of water professionals who can contribute to disaster efforts has been launched by the Water Action Platform. The Crisis Response Register has been set up initially as a response to the explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut, Lebanon on 4 August and is intended to be a permanent record.

Dr Piers Clark, chairman of Isle Utilities, which hosts the Water Action Platform said, “We are launching the Crisis Response Register for water professionals who feel they may have something they could contribute – be it for Beirut or any future disasters. Whether you work within a water utility directly, or are part of the supply chain - contractor, consultant, tech company - your input, and perhaps that of your organisation, could makes a difference.”

The explosion was linked to inappropriate storage of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate and more than 200 people died and 7,000 injured in the blast. In addition, 300,000 have been made homeless and up to US$15bn of damage caused.

Dr Clark explained, “My thoughts turned to the water and sanitation challenges that this accident has created in a country which already had unsatisfactory infrastructure. For thousands of families the coming winter is going to be incredibly tough.

“Ensuring that there is no cholera outbreak and protecting them from Covid-19 are going to be particular challenges.”

Clark said that over 72 hours he spoke to multiple organisations and relief agencies, thinking that there would be a register of global water professionals who could be called upon in times of crisis, but time and again was told that no such register existed.

“In fact, I was told, if such a thing did exist it would be hugely valuable,” he revealed.

“There are many excellent, highly capable and well-equipped organisations and charities who are working hard to address the immediate needs,” says Clark. “What we are creating here is a register of water professionals who can be called up to support these organisations.

“I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to apply my professional knowledge to help and I urge anyone who feels the same way to register today.”

Industry professionals wishing to join the Crisis Response Register can watch Dr Clark’s personal appeal and register here https://www.wateractionplatform.com/crisis-response-register

About Water Action Platform
The Water Action Platform provides a forum for the sharing of learning and best practice across the water sector. It was initiated in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but now covers a much wider range of water-related topics. Membership grew rapidly and it involves over 745 people from 395 organisations across 64 countries. For more information, visit www.wateractionplatform.com

About Isle
Isle is an independent technology and innovation consultancy that brings together technical and commercial specialists to facilitate relationships. Our team are highly skilled engineers and scientists with extensive and diverse consulting expertise.

Isle’s global sector knowledge is across water, waste, the built environment, energy and carbon. We use this valuable expertise to identify technology deal-flow, undertake due diligence, provide market intelligence, and work with investors.

We have extensive in-house experience in bringing new technologies to market and an established framework to support innovation, technology development, strategy and growth, and investment.

Through our global innovation forum, the Technology Approval Group (TAG), we have a strong track record in identifying emerging technologies and accelerating their market uptake. The forum revolutionises the way new technologies are adopted and commercialised - connecting expertise, investment and inspired ideas to bring them to life.

Isle also offers a range of interactive and engaging training courses as part of our Programme for Water Professionals.