Centro Alexander von Humboldt (Alexander von Humboldt Center) operates in one of the driest regions of the country and one of the areas most susceptible to natural disasters: hurricanes, severe droughts, and fresh water shortages. The organization provides local communities with training in sustainable water management and has drilled more than 40 fresh water wells and repaired 35 community water systems. The objective is year-round access to clean water using sustainable technology and building on community capacities. The emphasis has been on improving and restoring water systems that have fallen into disrepair.

The center has also distributed more than 50 solar stoves and 450 ‘eco stoves’. Equally impressive have been the initiative’s advocacy efforts for community water rights. Through public consultation, social mobilization and lobbying, the center has profoundly impacted the evolution of national water laws, including Law 620, which made water a public resource and allocated funds to increase clean water access.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2012

Founded: 1990

Location: Northwestern Nicaragua

Beneficiaries: 116 rural communities

Biodiversity: Avoided deforestation

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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