Why Wastewater Management Matters?
Wastewater management remains one of the most pressing challenges in the Western Balkans. Rapid urbanization, aging infrastructure, and limited local capacities continue to strain public utilities and municipalities. At the same time, growing environmental concerns and alignment with European standards call for stronger, more coordinated responses.
That’s where RCDN WW CD Programme comes in, a program that brings together knowledge, people, and institutions to build long-term solutions for wastewater management in the region.
What Has Been Done So Far
- Kick-Off Meetings
Held for each WW CD Programme, these events gathered local government and utility representatives, to launch the program in the respective countries and agree on action plans. These meetings helped identify country-specific priorities and started the dialogue on WW challenges and opportunities.
- Communities of Practice (CoPs)
CoPs offer a space for wastewater professionals to exchange experiences and practical solutions. RCDN partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro launched their national CoPs focusing on wastewater topics.
- Specific Training of Trainers (ToT)A Specific ToT program equipped selected local trainers with the technical knowledge and facilitation skills needed to lead wastewater-related capacity development activities. These trainers will play a key role in spreading knowledge within their national contexts and supporting peer learning.
Working Together: LGAs & APUCs
One of the most important steps has been strengthening cooperation between Associations of Municipalities and Associations of Public Utilities. RCDN supports joint planning, dialogue, and action at national and regional levels.
Recognizing that sustainable WW management depends on close cooperation between local governments and utilities, RCDN supports partners in their joint initiatives, exchanges, and dialogues between their respective associations. This ensures alignment on priorities, policy dialogue, and implementation.
Why This Work Matters
The wastewater topic is not just technical—it’s about public health, environmental protection, climate resilience, and future growth. Effective wastewater management means cleaner rivers and lakes, safer communities, and more efficient use of scarce water resources.
With the Western Balkans on a path of EU approximation, municipalities and utilities must also prepare for stricter environmental obligations. RCDN’s approach directly strengthens the local capacities and institutional cooperation needed to eventually meet those requirements.
What’s Next?
National activities are continuing with training delivery, workshops, and peer exchanges. RCDN will also support policy dialogue to address regulatory and institutional gaps, with the ultimate goal of better, more sustainable wastewater services for all.
The work done so far shows that change is possible when local actors are empowered and supported. Wastewater management may be a complex challenge, but through collaboration, learning, and shared responsibility, RCDN and its partners are taking meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Western Balkans.
