Nestlé celebrates World Water Day with children from 25 different countries

Around 10,000 children in 25 countries will be offered the chance to learn about the importance of fresh water at educational festivals led by Nestlé Waters in partnership with Project WET this week.

The company has teamed up with the international non-government organisation to mark World Water Day, celebrated annually on 22 March since 1993.

The idea behind the global event – first initiated at the 1992 United Nations summit in Rio de Janeiro – is to promote the sustainable management of fresh water by focusing on a different subject each year.

To support the initiative, Nestlé Waters has invited local school children and their teachers to attend ‘Together for Water’ festivals at its sites, or nearby locations, in countries ranging from the United States to France, Lebanon, Brazil, Pakistan and China.

Pupils will take part in fun, educational activities developed by Project WET. The activities aim to increase their awareness of clean water’s importance in nature, for healthy hydration, and for good hygiene and disease prevention.

John Harris, President and CEO of Nestlé Waters, explained the festivals’ aim.

He said: “World Water Day is about water, the community, and engaging our employees. It is the perfect occasion to emphasise that we all have a role to play in protecting this essential resource.

“Children are the water stewards of the future. With Project WET’s educational expertise, we are committed to increasing their awareness of the importance of preserving fresh water, not only in their local area, but around the world.”

More than 400 Nestlé Waters employees will contribute in various ways to the success of World Water Day events this year.

In Italy for example, Nestlé Waters and Project WET are organising activities for school classes and members of the public in museums in Milan, Padua and Bergamo, on dates close to Tuesday 22 March.

While at Nestlé’s Henniez factory in Switzerland, staff will spend the day with groups of local school children, running Project WET exercises and explaining the company’s efforts to protect the mineral water’s natural source.

As part of its commitment to responsible water use, Nestlé Waters closely monitors and evaluates the level, precipitation and quality of the water resources it operates.

Over the last five years the company has achieved water efficiency savings of nearly 40% per litre of bottled water.

Nestlé Waters and Project WET

Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is an international non-government organisation based in the United States.

It creates educational tools to raise awareness of water issues among school children around the world.

Nestlé Waters has been the main sponsor of Project WET since 1992, providing funding and operational support to a dozen countries including Vietnam, Hungary, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Mexico.

Most recently, in 2010, Nestlé Waters in China helped to launch Project WET (WET项目) at 18 primary schools in Shanghai, in partnership with the district’s Ministry of Education.