Springtime usually signifies the beginning of new life, flowers blooming and rain falling. However, competition for clean water is increasing as water flows freely across borders. As our planet faces the challenge of climate change it is important to understand what this means for the global supply of drinkable water and what we can do to be a part of the solution. Tackling the problem of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation for all has to include both the building of wells in developing areas as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Rising temperatures around the globe continue to alter rainfall patterns and melt glaciers at an accelerated rate, affecting this valuable resource. The facts remain that 1.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, 2.6 billion lack proper sanitation and the deaths of 1.8 million children have been caused by tainted water supplies. UniversalGiving™ would like to highlight some of our partners working to protect our environment, increase the supply of clean water and provide access to adequate sanitation. Join us in protecting a resource that we all must share!

Cooperation
Tensions between nations have the potential to increase when in competition for an essential natural resource. The EcoLogic Development Fund has initiated an important project to help ensure Guatemalan voices are heard in the complex bi-national environmental management arrangement with Belize. The river, spelled "Sarstun" by Guatemalans and "Sarstoon" by Belizeans, is a major source of livelihoods for bordering communities; its use is often a source of tension between the two countries. Donations to this innovative project will help protect and restore the river shared by these two countries as well as assist in creating a sustainable plan for development.

Conservation
Implementing water conservation efforts is essential to protecting the current supply of clean water on the planet. TransFair USA focuses on ways to conserve water while improving the lives of people in developing nations. Their project to improve the condition of South American flower growers includes guaranteeing fair wages, supporting sound environmental policy, increasing the use of natural pest controls and reducing water and energy use. Help empower Fair Trade flower producers to introduce more sustainable and equitable products and to thrive in the global marketplace!

Climate Change
Taking steps to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases goes a long way to protecting our glaciers that supply some of the world’s largest rivers. The Hope Alliance’s gift package of Biogas digesters is effective in reducing carbon and improving health in Nepal. These digesters process human waste, animal waste and food waste into methane gas to provide heat and energy for the villager’s homes.  The family’s health is greatly improved (especially respiratory and eye health) because they are no longer burning open fires in their homes.  This also prevents deforesting because the families no longer have to cut down trees for their firewood. Support a smaller carbon footprint worldwide!

Education
Educating future generations about an environmentally conscious way of life is key to any sustainable solution to climate change and water supply. The Cloud Forest School Foundation supports a school in Costa Rica whose mission is to “nurture a new generation of ecologically aware, bilingual individuals by providing them with the skills and motivation to make environmentally and socially conscious decisions on a local, national and global scale.” The 106 acres that make up the school's campus are located in the tropical cloud forest that is protected from development and has been re-forested. In addition, the campus includes organic gardens, greenhouse and germination beds, recycling center, forest and mountain trail system and organic composts. Support this unique educational facility!

Wells & Sanitation
While education is helping provide future generations with the tools for cleaner water and a cleaner environment, well and sanitation projects are essential for improving lives today. The H2O Africa Foundation supports over 150 well and sanitation projects across the continent of Africa. Additionally, a donation of only $20 to the East Meets West Foundation can provide a lifetime of clean drinking water for someone in Vietnam. All of these projects help prevent water-born diseases, support gender equity and allow for economic development because of this important infrastructure.

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Photo Credit: EcoLogic Development Fund