Radolfzell, March 20, 2013: The World Water Day on March 22, 2013, is dedicated to the topic "International water cooperation" stressing the importance of water as a basis of existence to reach a wider public and politics. The United Nations (UN) had already declared the access to clean drinking water to be a human right in 2010. Additionally, this year was announced an International World Water Year. GNF is extremely pleased with these steps although they will not solve the problem. While the scheduled privatization of public drinking water supply by the EU arouses indignation, 800 million people worldwide still lack access to clean drinking water.
No clean water in AfricaThe situation is difficult in many regions, particularly in Africa. According to UNESCO over 60 percent of the population of the southern Sahara have no access to clean drinking water. For instance, many water fountains still have to be renovated in Ivory Coast. Furthermore, effluent disposal and waste water treatment are entirely deficient in many parts of this West African State. Surveys published by UNICEF show that every year 87,000 children under five living there die of diarrheal disease. Reasons are the insufficient water supply and problematic hygiene conditions.
The long road to clean waterSince 2008 the GNF, an international foundation for the protection of environment and nature, has been implementing practical approaches of water supply in Kenya, Burundi and Ivory Coast. GNF works together with local partners for planning and installation of drinking water facilities. Since energy grids and water supply networks are lacking in many rural regions, innovative solutions are required. How to feed the filter with water? What quantities of water should be cleaned daily? Who is responsible for the distribution of water, the operation and maintenance of the installation? These and many further questions must be considered when implementing the project. Additionally, it is important to raise affected people’s awareness for protection of their environment. Conservation of nature and health aspects are closely linked within the topic of drinking water.
Simple but effective solutions in KenyaEncouraged by first positive experiences with drinking water projects for schools and orphanages in Kenya, the GNF now expands its project work. Until now, over 4,500 pupils and orphans are supplied with water: these comprise children in Tonga Girls Secondary School and in Tonga Boys Secondary School, in Watoto Wenye Nguvu Orphanage, in Maragua Ridge Health Center in Maragua, in Moi School in Sindo and in Migingo School in Kisumu.
Surface water is taken from nearby water bodies and treated in filter systems, so called Skyhydrants. Each water treatment plant has a capacity of 700 liters per hour. The clean drinking water is collected in closed water tanks and can be distributed to humans when needed. The next water treatment plants will be installed in the communities Kandara and Gitune in Kenya.
New water fountains are neededThe GNF has also been working in Ivory Coast since 2011. The supply system of clean drinking water is complicated by the political instability. Against this background, a common project with the humanitarian organizations "Habitat for Humanity" was initiated. Since then, 22 wells and boreholes in villages have already been provided with the help of local technicians and local village people. On site, so called water committees care about the smooth operation of the water supply and deliver the water to local people against payment of a small fee. This income is used to cover costs of maintenance, repairs and spare parts.
Clean water equals quality of lifeEspecially women and girls living in the western region Man and in the eastern region N’zi Comoé benefit from shorter distances to water, since they often had to walk miles. Additionally, the water quality could be significantly improved. Over 12.000 people currently have access to fresh drinking water. In 2013, 20 additional water supplies will be installed in villages of the central region. A young mother living in the village Bouaffoukro said: "Finally we have clean water, since water pumps have been repaired. We feel much better now and I am really happy that I can provide my children with water that is no longer dangerous for them."
The projects are supported by the travel operator TUI, the German football Bundesliga club Hannover 96 and the supporters’ federation Rote Kurve. The supporting campaign "Drinking Cups for Drinking Water" was initiated during the football season 2009/2010. In the scope of this campaign, guests of matches of Hannover 96 have the possibility to donate the deposit on their drinking cups. Eichel Events, organizer of the Tuifly marathon in Hannover, also supports the drinking water projects. As in previous years, donations will be collected this year on 5th May. GNF implements similar projects in Burundi together with the experienced Kenyan partner organization Pureflow. There, new water supplies are being built in the regions Kagwema and Rukaramu. These projects provide over 5,000 people with clean drinking water, among them many children. The Ursula Merz Foundation, the Foundation of development cooperation Baden Württemberg (SEZ) and Lufthansa also support the projects.
Background Global Nature Fund (GNF) is a non-profit, private, independent international foundation for the protection of environment and nature. In 1998, the Living Lakes network has been initiated by GNF. Living Lakes is a global network of environmental organizations striving for the protection of lakes and wetlands worldwide. The headquarters of GNF are located at Lake Constance, further offices are in Bonn and Berlin. The independent foundation has from the very beginning focused on conservation of water reserves and water ecosystems all over the world. Lots of projects aiming at conservation of nature and biodiversity, energy and climate, sustainable development and environmental education have been implemented together with local partners so far.
Contact:
Global Nature Fund (GNF)
Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4
D-78315 Radolfzell, Germany
Phone: 0 77 32 - 99 95 – 0
Fax: 0 77 32 - 99 95 – 88
E-Mail:
info@globalnature.org
Website:
www.globalnature.org