Sanitation technology transfer: from UK festivals to migrant camps in Greece

Conflict in Syria and other Middle Eastern countries prompted thousands of migrants to attempt the journey to western European countries, only to be held up in countries such as Greece because of closing borders. Greek camps in summer 2016 varied in standard, but all official ones were initially run by the military, who installed chemical toilets. UNHCR and NGOs subsequently worked on improved sanitation solutions. This thesis explores the sanitation situation in Greek migrant camps, concentrating on three camps near Thessaloniki, and investigates the potential of transferring sanitation technology from two UK festival toilet companies to a Greek context. It is concluded that elements of the technology might be suitable for particular camp phases, but both companies would need to adapt their technology to be appropriate for a largely Muslim population in a Greek setting. They should also consider collaboration with Greek companies, and ongoing management scenarios using either camp residents or NGO employees.