Bozeman-Based Project WET International Foundation and United Nations Launch Joint Water Education Initiative

The Bozeman-based Project WET International Foundation http://www.projectwet.org and the United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization – International Hydrologic Program (UNESCO-IHP) are launching a joint water education initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The initiative will build on educational material and networks already established by the two groups. “By coordinating the water education efforts of these two world organizations, we are increasing the number of area students, teachers, parents, and communities reached with water education. This is critical because water-borne illnesses are one of the leading causes of death in the developing world,” said Justin Howe, Project WET’s Director of Networks for Latin America and the Caribbean. However, Howe also noted, “Many of these deaths can be prevented through education.”

Project WET and UNESCO-IHP formally announced plans to work together during the recent World Water Forum in Mexico City. This joint initiative is an outgrowth of that partnership. According to Maria Concepción Donoso, Regional Hydrologist for UNESCO-IHP in Latin America and the Caribbean, “Cooperation and partnerships among water managers and educational organizations will be critical for meeting future water challenges.”

This joint program will help Project WET and UNESCO-IHP work toward reaching the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, as well as the priorities identified in the United Nations Decade of Water for Life and Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Achieving these goals is critical for human health, sustainable development, and cultural and economic stability.

This initiative will educate today’s children – tomorrow’s water leaders – while promoting a spirit of cooperation and culture of stewardship. “Water issues are a global problem, but the effects are felt at the individual level. Only by reaching individuals with water education can we build a broad culture of water stewardship,” said Dennis Nelson, President and CEO of the Project WET International Foundation.

About The Project WET International Foundation:

The Project WET International Foundation is a non-profit publisher and global network based in Bozeman, Mont. that develops educational material for children, parents, teachers, and communities. It has coordinators in each state in the United States and 26 countries worldwide. Project WET’s efforts are supported by generous contributions from Nestlé Waters, Valerie Gates, public agencies, and thousands of private individuals. Online at http://www.projectwet.org.

Project WET International Foundation

1001 W. Oak Street, Suite 210

Bozeman, MT USA 59715

406.585.4115

[email protected]

http://www.projectwet.org

About UNESCO’s International Hydrologic Program (UNESCO-IHP):

UNESCO’s International Hydrologic Program is part of the United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization. Today, UNESCO-IHP works as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse that disseminates and shares information and knowledge while helping member states to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. Online at http://www.unesco.org.

###

Millennium Development Goals:

* Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
* Achieve universal primary education
* Promote gender equality and empower women
* Reduce child mortality
* Improve maternal health
* Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and other diseases
* Ensure environmental stability
* Develop a global partnership for development

Goals of the Decade of Water for Life

* Reduce by half the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water by 2015
* Stop unsustainable exploitation of water resources
* Reduce by half the proportion of people who do not have access to basic sanitation
* Develop integrated water resource management

Goals of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

* Expand early childhood education and care
* Provide free and compulsory primary education for all
* Promote learning and life skills for young people and adults
* Increase adult literacy by 50 percent
* Achieve gender parity by 2005, gender equality by 2015
* Improve the quality of education

Project WET International Foundation

1001 W. Oak Street, Suite 210 ● Bozeman, MT USA ● 59715

406.585.4115 ● [email protected] ● http://www.projectwet.org

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: October 02, 2006

Media Contact: Stephanie Kaleva, 406.585.4115, [email protected]