The United Nations Office to Support the International Decade for Action “Water for Life” 2005–2015, which implements the UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC), and the UN World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) are pleased to invite you to nominate your best practice for the 3rd edition of the “Water for Life” UN-Water Best Practices Award.

On the occasion of the Thematic Session on Water Cooperation at the Rio+20 Summit in Brazil, organized by the Government of Tajikistan, the 3rd edition of the “Water for Life” UN-Water Best Practices Award has officially been launched on 21 June 2012.

The purpose of the Award is to promote efforts to fulfil international commitments made on water and water-related issues by 2015 through 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 contained in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

The application period is open from 30 June to 15 September 2012.

The prize is awarded yearly in two categories, one in best water management practices and another one in best participatory, communication, awareness-raising and education practices. Every year, special emphasis is being put on the theme selected for next World Water Day. In 2013, special focus is given to the topic “Water Cooperation” as 2013 is the International Year of Water Cooperation and the World Water Day 2013. The prize will be awarded at a special ceremony on World Water Day, 22 March 2013.

A new section with information on the theme “Water Cooperation” is available at: http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/water_cooperation.shtml

More information on the award is available at: http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/waterforlifeaward.html

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