Drinking water quality management has been a key element of primary prevention and control of waterborne diseases for a long time. This chapter is based on the EU Project “Implementation of ECVET for Qualification Design in Drinking Water Treatment Plants and Sanitation for Pure Drinkable Water-PUREH2O” that contributes to the recognition and transparency of qualifications at the EU level and provides an innovative model for competencies for the potable water sector. The main dilemma that PURE-H2O intends to tackle is the lack of mutual recognition of qualification that is often impaired by national restrictions by applying EUROPASS, European/National Qualification Framework (EQF/NQF), and the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) instruments. The aim of the project is to enhance the quality and performance of VET system improving education in drinking water supply and development. This project could also be achieved through promoting creativity, innovation, and transfer of EQF/NQF principles in education of the main target group in the sector.

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The poverty index in most of the eleven Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is alarming. In these countries, there is a growing challenge meeting the other basic needs besides food emanating from the substantial economic and environmental risks. In 2012 the World Bank reported, at least six South Pacific Island Countries were categorized as lower-middleincome countries with a general per capita of less than 4,085 United ins Dollars as documented (World Bank, 2012). It is worth noting that at least cases of extreme food deprivation are low in the South Pacific Island Countries but there are other new forms of hardships such as the need to strive to meet the costs of non-food needs such as housing orchestrated by the increasing uncontrolled urbanization and monetization of the economy. Some notably vulnerable scenarios in this region are the small populations and remote location of areas that impede economic diversification hence constant economic shocks. Also, the topography of this region exposes them to a range of natural calamities such as earthquakes. This, substantially, renders the countries to be highly dependent on the foreign aids and grants. Again, external cash over-reliance and goods inflows by the South Pacific Island Countries (PICs) renders them to the volatility in bordering large economies. This article will highlight how international organizations address the issues of hardship and vulnerability to natural disaster among PICs like Papua New Guinea and Samoa. This paper will firstly bring to readers the current economic status of the island countries in the Pacific followed by the directions and methods taken to cope with livelihood issue. Finally for conclusion and recommendations on how communities can address these issues locally.