The Danone-Evian partnership with Ramsar
Since 1998, the Danone Group, through the “Evian Initiative” and most recently through a number of additional programmes, has provided generous financial support for the Convention’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of water resources amongst decision-makers and the public, most visibly through the annual production of World Wetlands Day materials and the Evian Special Prize accompanying the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards.
"Why a partnership?" - An overview of the Danone-Ramsar relationship by the Convention's Danone Project Officer.
The Danone-Evian Fund for Water Resources
On 27 January 1998, the Ramsar Secretary General, Mr Delmar Blasco, signed the first partnership agreement by a global environment convention with a private sector, co-signed by Mr Franck Riboud, DG of the Danone Group, Yves Buchsenschutz, DG of Danone’s Evian Mineral Water Company of Evian, France, and the French Minister of the Environment, Mme Dominique Voynet. Thus the Danone- Evian Fund for Water Resources was created. The aim of the fund, through a portfolio of educational products and seminars, is to raise awareness of the importance of water resources amongst decision-makers and the general public; it is also intended to make these audiences aware of water management issues by developing educational tools and sharing best practices on the management of natural sites. Read More »
The Evian Water Protection Institutes
As a sign of increasing commitment by both parties, the Evian Water Protection Institutes were launched in 2008, fostering collaboration among the Ramsar Convention, Evian, and non-profit organizations that implement local projects. The aim is to help local people to manage water in a sustainable way and improve their living conditions. Presently, three sites selected by Ramsar are hosting the program: - Jaaukanigas and Chaco wetlands in Argentina, which are part of the Plata Basin, one of the world's largest fresh water reserves; - Jagadishpur, a Nepalese reservoir, close to the Indian border, an important area for birds; - and Beung Khong Long Lake in Thailand, an important area for services and culture. Read More »
