Celebrated annually on March 22 since 1993, World Water Day is a United Nations initiative that highlights the vital importance of freshwater resources. World Water Day aims to highlight the value of water in our lives, raise awareness for the 2.1 billion people who lack access to safe water, and take concrete steps to address the global water crisis.
As the Salih Tatlıcı Foundation, driven by our commitment to access to clean water—a fundamental human right— we have made a donation to the “Wasserstiftung – Water Foundation” (Water Foundation)—a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-denominational organization that operates with a non-bureaucratic approach to support efforts in water and sanitation, nature conservation, and sustainable income generation in regions where drinking water is scarce or contaminated. The “Water Foundation” has presented our Foundation with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of this meaningful contribution.
Water is of vital importance to every living being.
Regarding the donation, Uğur Tatlıcı, Executive Board Member of our Foundation, stated: “In regions experiencing water scarcity, inequalities are deepening, and communities that are already vulnerable are being pushed further to the margins. At this point, gender inequality permeates every aspect of life: While some can access water simply by turning on a faucet, others are forced to walk kilometers every day just to find clean water. While some have access to safe and clean water, others rely on dirty sources that harbor disease. In decisions regarding the management of rivers, groundwater sources, and water infrastructure, while some voices shape the world, others are unfortunately silenced and ignored. Uğur Tatlıcı, emphasizing the importance of making water a component of social equality, continued: “Making water a driving force for gender equality and ensuring that the benefits of this vital resource reach communities in every corner of the world must be the primary duty of all states.” It must not be forgotten that where water flows, equality grows. Every investment in water is an investment in dignity, justice, public health, and sustainable development. “On the occasion of World Water Day, celebrated annually on March 22, we have made a donation to the ‘Wasserstiftung – Water Foundation’ (Water Foundation), which has been working tirelessly for a quarter of a century to provide access to safe water in regions where clean water is scarce”.
Wasserstiftung – Water Foundation
Wasserstiftung – Water Foundation (Water Foundation) was founded in 2000 by Ernst Frost and Henner Lang (1944–2021). According to UN data, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide lack regular access to clean water, while 785 million people are deprived of even basic drinking water. 3.6 billion people lack access to proper sanitation (hygiene) facilities. Approximately 4 billion people struggle to survive in regions affected by severe water scarcity for at least one month each year. In many countries, water scarcity is a multifaceted issue that directly threatens agricultural irrigation, food security, and public health. Contaminated drinking water has a far-reaching impact on public health. Additionally, more hectares of forest are being destroyed each year than are being protected or reforested worldwide. Forests play a crucial role in ecosystem and climate protection by mitigating drought and contributing to soil fertility. People and families in the world’s poorer regions, particularly in rural areas, are hit hardest by the water crisis. In this context, the Water Foundation has been actively conducting projects, especially in Ethiopia and Eritrea, for a long time. As of 2018, the Foundation has expanded its scope of operations to include Tanzania, Peru, and Bolivia among its focus countries. Through projects in regions where clean water is scarce, the Foundation contributes to the sustainability of life. The Foundation’s primary objective is to ensure access to clean water and sanitation—recognized as a “human right” worldwide since 2010—even in impoverished regions where resources are scarce: The Foundation does not limit its efforts to water supply alone but integrates this work with the protection of biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems. By adopting a sustainable, ecological, and socio-economic development model, the Foundation secures the future and protects natural resources.
