On March 22, hundreds of events are planned around the world to celebrate World Water Day, which this year has the theme of “Water Cooperation.” Designated by the United Nations in 1993, World Water Day aims to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and its sustainable management. Impeller spoke with Michael Fields, Director of Xylem Watermark, to find out how Xylem is celebrating the day.
What is Xylem Watermark?
Xylem Watermark is Xylem’s Corporate Citizenship and Social Investment program. Working with leading international nonprofit organizations, its mission is to provide and protect safe water resources in communities around the world. Since launching in 2008, Watermark has improved the lives of more than 2 million people through school and community-based projects, by securing water in vulnerable areas, and by delivering water in the aftermath of emergencies.
Why is World Water Day important?
World Water Day is important in order to raise awareness for the variety and depth of water challenges around the world, and to ensure that the world never loses sight of ending the global water crisis.
How is Xylem Watermark celebrating World Water Day?
We want to raise awareness of the great work being done by our nonprofit partners. On Friday, March 22, we will launch a new feature on XylemWatemark.com – an interactive impact map that will show the extent of our projects with our partners around the world. With photos and first-hand accounts of the difference we are making in people’s lives, this map will tell our story in a new way. We are also celebrating our new partnerships with Fundación Avina and Planet Water Foundation by sending employees in Brazil and the Philippines to work in the field on local water projects. Additionally, many of Xylem’s locations around the world are celebrating in their own ways, fundraising for our nonprofit partners, talking about global water issues and celebrating the great solutions and innovations we are driving every day.
What organizations does Xylem Watermark partner with?
We currently have partnerships with five leading international nonprofit organizations: Water For People, Mercy Corps, China Women’s Development Foundation, Planet Water Foundation, and Fundación Avina. Day in and day out we are rallying Xylem’s employees to support these organizations through volunteering, fundraising and awareness activities.
What are some of the world’s most important water issues right now?
Scarcity and sustainability are still two of the most significant water issues today. With global populations rising and climate change unfolding, access to safe drinking water for the global population will continue to be critical. At the same time, more than half of all water projects eventually fail, so Xylem Watermark and its partners are committed to providing solutions that will last.
Click here for special World Water Day articles on Xylem Watermark’s partners