CLEAN WATER. Clean Water A contribution. A commitment of Georg Fischer. to people all over the world. Since 2002.

Transcription

1 CLEAN WATER A commitment of Georg Fischer Clean Water A contribution by Georg Fischer to people all over the world. Since 2002.

2 Water our elixir of life Even though 71 percent of the Earth s surface is covered with water, less than one percent of it is available to all of the planet s living creatures as usable fresh water. That does not sound like much, but thanks to natural phenomena replenishing the water supply, it is quite sufficient. Be that as it may, more than one billion people still do not have access to clean water, and another 2.5 billion people live without basic sanitary facilities. The reasons for that are the uneven distribution of water availability to people around the world, the ongoing climate change and associated natural disasters; however, one must also consider excessive, non-vital water consumption as well as the reduction of fresh water resources due to contamination. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), we are primarily to blame for water shortages: «They do not result from the naturally limited quantities of water resources, lack of financing, or a shortage of technologies even if these are critical aspects.» In this day and age, with a wide range of measures integrated in consistent, deliberately pursued water and development policies, the situation can be improved. Water consumption worldwide: Source: WHO/UNICEF, 2010 Water consumption in Switzerland: Source: Aquastat, % 41% 2% 10% 20% 57% Agriculture Domestic use Industry A systematic solution-oriented approach: No water/areas of drought Water tankers Search for water Water available Protecting the source Tapping the source Water purification and treatment Technical solution Establishing water rights Tapping surface water Political and physical access Water nearby Pump stations Reservoirs Deep wells Capturing groundwater Water-line distribution network Water for limited periods Capturing rain water Water storage

3 Clean Water more than just a foundation Since its founding in 1802, Georg Fischer has demonstrated its personal and financial commitment to social organizations and humanitarian projects. 10 years of Clean Water the water is flowing In the last ten years, Georg Fischer has completed more than 90 projects in 50 countries on four continents through the Clean Water Foundation. On the occasion of the company s 200-year anniversary in 2002, Georg Fischer s shareholders waived distribution of the bicentenary dividend. Instead, the Clean Water Foundation was created and the sum of CHF 3.5 million was invested in non-profit projects geared toward providing clean drinking water around the world. The goodwill exhibited especially by shareholders has continued ever since, as evidenced by donations totaling more than CHF 300,000. Thanks to the Clean Water Foundation, Georg Fischer has been able to help 200,000 people worldwide get access to clean drinking water and a better water supply over the long term. To date, Georg Fischer has invested more than CHF 7 million in Clean Water projects. The challenge A person needs 20 liters of water per day and the Clean Water Foundation is committed to making that happen. The international Clean Water projects are carried out with carefully selected partners and in close collaboration with local residents. Convinced of the projects effectiveness, Georg Fischer has made substantial donations to the Clean Water Foundation on an annual basis.

4 The projects by focus area The objective of the Clean Water Foundation is to improve access to drinking water for people around the world. Taking into account different needs, difficult conditions, and the variety of possible measures, Georg Fischer concentrates its efforts on five focus areas: extracting water, transporting water, storing water, distributing water, and aiding reconstruction. The Clean Water Foundation supports only those projects that can be undertaken in close collaboration with the local population and be maintained, whenever possible, using regional methods, technologies, and materials. The latter condition ensures that the projects are sustainable. Other major criteria considered when selecting projects include: assuring survival, improving health, encouraging people not to leave, and promoting education and schooling. Aiding RECONSTRUCTION Storing Extracting Transporting Distributing

5 Extracting Transporting Extracting water Building wells is a critical focus area among the activities funded by the Clean Water Foundation. Various technologies and construction methods are used depending on the location and sub-surfaces. Clean Water in Bangladesh In Bangladesh, and specifically in the region surrounding the village of Paturia, one must usually go down to a depth of 100 meters to obtain clean drinking water. This is the main reason why the Adivasi, the original inhabitants of Bangladesh, live here in great poverty. With the support of the Shanti-Schweiz aid organization, as well as the Bengali aid organization Dipshikha, the Clean Water Foundation made it possible to build solar-operated pump stations to extract drinking water. So that the equipment is easy to maintain, planners kept the technology simple, omitted the use of batteries, and purchased solar panels, transformers, and pumps in Bangladesh. The Clean Water project was thus able to install a drinking water system in the village schools in Paturia, Rudraput, and Shapahar. Local tradesmen and workers completed all tasks in a short time, which ultimately gave 1,200 people, primarily students and teachers, access to clean drinking water and better hygiene conditions. Clean drinking water for 1,200 people Solar-operated pump stations based on simple technology An extensive water supply system in schools for drinking water and improved hygiene conditions Transporting Water For various reasons, people settle in places where their annual requirements for drinking water are not necessarily assured. Poverty is generally one of the main reasons why this happens. The construction of water lines and canals is both an opportunity and a prerequisite to have a better quality of life over the long term. Clean Water in Afghanistan Due to the extreme topography and the mostly dry climate, surface water hardly exists in Afghanistan. People often have to go very far to obtain clean drinking water. Particularly affected by the aridity are the individuals living in the Hazarajat region, located west of Kabul, the capital city. In close cooperation with the Afghanistanhilfe Schaffhausen aid organization, 50 hand-operated deep wells, some going down 40 meters, were built as part of the Clean Water project. In a fivemonth-long construction period, the undertaking created 100 jobs for skilled workers and unschooled locals. This Clean Water project supplied 40,000 people in the region with clean, always available drinking water. By placing many of the wells near schools and clinics, the usually long journey to fetch water has become a thing of the past. The presence of the wells has improved local hygiene conditions tremendously, which in turn has also significantly increased life expectancy in this region. Drinking water for up to 40,000 people 50 deep wells, with some that are 40 meters in depth 100 temporary jobs

6 Storing Distributing Storing water Distributing water In many regions of the world, there are distinct dry and rainy With the objective of improving hygiene conditions and ultimately Another one of the Clean Water Foundation s focus areas is system. Furthermore and as part of an annual project-week, seasons. For that reason, clean, fresh drinking water in sufficient raising the life expectancy (currently 36 years on average), the water distribution in all of its many forms. Often, systems are in new trainees at Georg Fischer helped to clean up the entire quantities is only available in certain times of the year. The con- Clean Water Foundation participated in building a new water extremely poor condition, with parts missing and proper mainte- water plant in Riom-Parsonz. The trainees at Georg Fischer struction of rain water storage systems and water tanks makes supply system and servicing the time-worn one in Ntamba. The nance lacking. As a result, hygiene deteriorates and work pro- Schaffhausen, assisted by a supply line specialist, actively this precious liquid available when times are dry. active involvement of local communities and workers made it cesses falter. Construction measures and training can effectively contributed to the expansion and upgrading of the water supply possible, among other things, to repair diesel engines, replace remedy the situation. system. Clean Water in Mozambique water mains to the pump stations, and clean up reservoirs and For about 70 percent of the people living in Mozambique, tapping points. The project s positive outcome now benefits about Clean Water in Switzerland Expanding the water supply obtaining drinking water is a daily battle. In the Province of Cabo 38,000 people in 12 villages. The mountain community of Riom-Parsonz in Switzerland s Upgrading the existing water supply facilities Delgado, women, who are traditionally responsible for getting Graubünden region does have its own water supply system; how- Actively involving Georg Fischer trainees water, must often plan on walking for hours in dangerous condi- Completion of several projects with Helvetas ever, a routine inspection revealed various deficiencies. To pro- tions to bring back just a few liters of water. Helvetas receives the Energy Globe Award 2007 for drinking vide for a long-term supply of drinking water, planners developed Partnering with the Helvetas aid organization, the Clean Water water projects in Cabo Delgado a renovation concept for the entire system. The Clean Water Foundation has completed several water projects in Mozambique. Clean drinking water for 38,000 people in Cabo Delgado Foundation assumed some of the costs for upgrading the water

7 Aiding reconstruction The Clean Water Foundation does not provide emergency assistance, but it is involved in phase two of post-disaster operations. At this time, the focus is on rebuilding infrastructures at least to the point that affected individuals can get by during a transition period lasting a few months to several years. Clean Water in Haiti Haiti s tragic toll after the earthquake of January 12, 2010 was more than 300,000 dead, one million homeless, fear, hunger, and thirst. In that kind of a situation, the availability of clean drinking water is a must for survivors and a sign of hope. Right after news of the disaster broke, the Clean Water Foundation donated USD 50,000 in emergency aid funds. Then, employees at Georg Fischer Piping Systems in Tustin, California stepped in with their expertise. Aiding RECONSTRUCTION Within a few days, technicians and engineers had built a water line system, which anyone could install, made of plastic and with six tapping points each. The systems were connected to the water treatment facilities belonging to the Water Missions International organization, thereby providing clean drinking water for the stricken population. What was created in response to an emergency went on to stay in place because the distribution system was ideally suited for long-term development aid due to its lightweight construction and sturdiness. Reconstruction together with the Water Missions International aid organization Construction and allocation of water distribution systems Clean drinking water for hundreds of people on a daily basis Clean Water. From the very start, the Clean Water Foundation has always been able to count on tremendous support from Georg Fischer employees. Regardless of their age, position, or work location, they contribute to the success of many projects in a variety of ways. Personnel costs or other expenses associated with the Foundation and the projects are borne by the company. Project visits Project sponsorships Involvement of trainees (project-weeks) Fundraising activities Monetary donations instead of customer gifts at Christmas Individual donations

8 More than 90 projects completed worldwide. More than 90 projects in 50 countries on four continents all since Our ongoing commitment Georg Fischer is a water supply specialist. Treating and transporting water are our core areas of expertise. And access to clean water for all people is one of our top priorities. For that reason, Georg Fischer s Clean Water Foundation was created in 2002 as part of the company s 200-year anniversary. It finances water supply projects in countries where the needs are most urgent. Clean Water works together with NGOs and local organizations to ensure the sustainability of such projects. Since its creation ten years ago, the Clean Water Foundation has financed more than 90 projects and about 200,000 people have been given access to drinking water thanks to this Foundation. We will continue to support our Clean Water Foundation because we are firmly convinced that the lack of drinking water affects us all. As a water distribution system specialist, we can make a lasting contribution towards solving the water issue. YVES SERRA, CEO 37% 33% 20% 10% Asia Africa Central and South America Europe

9 Do you want to help us? Personal donations can be transferred to the following charity account: Georg Fischer «Clean Water» Foundation Schaffhauser Kantonalbank 8201 Schaffhausen Switzerland Account Clearing Number 782 Postal account Donations made to this account are tax-deductible in Switzerland. This brochure was published and financed by Georg Fischer AG. Additional information Georg Fischer «Clean Water» Foundation Roland Gröbli, Director Amsler Laffon Strasse Schaffhausen Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) Fax: +41 (0) cleanwater@georgfischer.com