German-Ukrainian Project Strengthens Sustainable Water Infrastructure in Ukraine

This initiative, supported by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), aims to lay the groundwork for the sustainable reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine’s water and wastewater infrastructure, which has been severely damaged by the war. The first phase of the project focuses on building networks between German and Ukrainian experts, analyzing the current state of infrastructure, and developing a roadmap for long-term recovery.

Strong Cooperation for Ukraine’s Future
GWP and MWH will work closely with Ukrainian utilities to:

• Establish an active exchange platform for German and Ukrainian water experts
• Collect and analyze data on water supply and wastewater systems in key Ukrainian cities
• Identify urgent needs and opportunities for introducing innovative, resource-efficient technologies

Boris Greifeneder, Managing Director of German Water Partnership: “The resilience of water and wastewater infrastructure is a key factor for public health, environmental protection and democratic stabilization. Through this project, we are creating the structures and knowledge base that will enable Ukraine to rebuild sustainably, using modern and climate-friendly technologies and eventually pave the way for membership in the European Union.”

Together with its members – from scientific institutes and numerous small and medium-sized enterprises to municipal operators and global solution providers – German Water Partnership is committed to tackling water and wastewater management challenges worldwide. International partnerships such as German-Ukrainian Water Operator Partnerships play a special role in the commitment of the business association. Through close exchange and knowledge transfer on sustainable technologies and processes, GWP makes a holistic contribution to improving global water supply, wastewater disposal and stormwater management and successfully implements projects.

Mykolaiv Water Hub will play a central role on the ground, coordinating with Ukrainian utilities and authorities, collecting data, and facilitating dialogue with German partners. During the first month of the project, MWH has already started contacting water utilities, gathering information about their technologies, service coverage, and immediate needs, and mobilizing Ukrainian representatives for participation in a joint German-Ukrainian Steering Committee.

Joint Vision
This project builds on the long-standing cooperation between German and Ukrainian water sectors and aims to combine German technological expertise with Ukraine’s urgent reconstruction needs. It also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities).