Speaking on World Water Day, March 22nd, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spotlighted the success of USAID’s WaterSHED program for its work supporting the manufacture and marketing of ceramic water filters in Cambodia. Highlighting the program as a part of the U.S. Government’s promotion of science and technology and support for innovation, Secretary Clinton stated:
“…[USAID] has worked with the private sector to open a ceramic water filter factory in Cambodia. With ceramic filters, people no longer need to boil water to make it safe to drink, so they don’t need to burn as much wood or charcoal, which in turn reduces greenhouse gases. And the plant has even applied to receive carbon credits for future sales.”
The ceramic water purifiers are produced and marketed by Hydrologic Social Enterprise, part of WaterSHED’s program in Cambodia. Revenue from carbon credits will be re-invested in the business, providing a sustainable source of non-donor funding.
The full text of Secretary Clinton’s remarks for World Water Day 2011 can be found here on the U.S. Department of State website. A video of the address can be found at this U.S. Department of State YouTube link.
