The prize has been awarded during the official ceremony of World Water Day 2013 that took place in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The purpose of this UN-Water Award is to promote efforts to fulfill international commitments made on water and water-related issues by 2015 through the recognition of outstanding best practices that can ensure the long-term sustainable management of water resources and contribute to the achievement of internationally agreed goals and targets.
The prize is awarded yearly in two categories: Category 1 is awarded to best water management practices, and Category 2 is awarded to best participatory, communication, awareness-raising and education practices.
Every year, special emphasis is being put on the theme selected for World Water Day. In 2013, special focus has been given to the topic "Water cooperation".
Category 2, best participatory, communication, awareness-raising and education practice, has been awarded to the project "Water and sanitation for all" from the Republic of Moldova.
The Republic of Moldova remains one the poorest countries in Europe. According to recent studies, in 2006, only 15% of the rural population in the Republic of Moldova had a house connection for drinking water, and only 55% of the population living in rural areas had access to basic sanitation.
The Moldovan National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) calculated the social and economic impact of water pollution in the country and reached the conclusion that the cost to the economy was in the range of 5% - 10% of GDP.
The rural citizens in the Republic of Moldova rely on small-scale water supply systems or on shallow wells which are often contaminated with micro-organism and nitrates. Latrines are the primary form of sanitation used, which is a significant source of environmental pollution. In addition, animal waste is often not adequately stored and treated, resulting in the cross contamination of water bodies.
The Safe Water and Sanitation for all in Moldova initiative aimed at improving the situation in rural Moldova by mobilizing citizens and the authorities to realize and respect the right to access safe water and sanitation through the sustainable management of local resources.
Source: UN-Water