<p>This paper aims to discuss the state of the art of sanitation governance, especially related to socio-environmental conflicts in different territories of the global South and in traditional communities. Improving sanitary conditions can minimize socio-environmental differences between nations in the global North and South. This work aims to systematically review the issue of governance in territories of the global South, with a focus on traditional (and isolated) communities. To meet the environmental, climate and social agendas, it is essential to build a governance system considering various levels of participation in-volving a careful look at rural areas. Different models of governance for different locations under similar socioeconomic and political characteristics in the global South must still be developed and discussed. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of diverse global realities related to sanitation management in traditional communities, serving as a valuable resource for sector specialists, particularly in Global South countries, where there is a higher prevalence of isolated populations.</p>