World Water Quality Alliance Interview: The Inspiration behind HR2W

Amanda Loeffen, CEO of HR2W, was featured in the latest World Water Quality Alliance (WWQA) Newsletter, YEMAYA. In her interview, Amanda talks about what inspired her to do the work she does in HR2W. Amanda started working with water during her time New Zealand where she ran a project management company. She then expanded her work in Europe to improve access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation for vulnerable people globally through law and policy measures that support these human rights.

An important aspect of her work is to encourage policymakers to realize these goals practically and inclusively. “I see the governance system behind the human right to water as a supportive structure that can provide solutions at a local level” (Amanda, 2024).

However, even if it’s not recognized at a constitutional or policy level, this should not stop communities and people from realising these rights. Communities can engage and mobilize themselves to access water resources and step in when the government doesn’t have the capabilities or the resources to do it. Some of the best projects happen through local initiatives as they understand the needs of everybody in their communities, especially the most vulnerable ones.

Amanda talks about working towards equal access to the human rights to water and sanitation as a collaborative effort, involving and impacting everyone. She explains how citizen science is a good way to get the community involved in a practical way, helping people to understand the connection between water quality and data to support actions.