Review of Regulatory Framework 

The ultimate goal of any sustainable development programme, such as EcoSanRes, is regional and global implementation. Sanitation is traditionally heavily regulated at local, municipal and national government levels due to its impact on public health and safety. Therefore, the EcoSanRes Programme has commissioned a study by Verna Ekologi AB, aimed at providing information about the limitations of current legislation and identifying areas that need to change to embrace the concept of ecological sanitation. By reviewing and documenting the consequences of existing policies and regulations we can see what needs to be improved or changed for large-scale implementation of ecological sanitation. 

Current legislation and policies regulating sanitation vary in different parts of the world from rigid and technique-focussed to relatively flexible. Also, several different bodies or ministries such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, often regulate sanitation. In the case of ecosan, the Ministry of Agriculture would also have to be involved. 

This policy analysis will initially cover Mexico, South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda and China, documenting each country’s regulatory framework around public health, environmental protection and agriculture in relation to sanitation and to the management of human excreta. The study will also analyse Sweden’s progressive policies as the country is a forerunner in implementing ecological sanitation and has started to adapt its legislation to incorporate ecosystem approaches as a result.