IDA Conference On ‘Desalination Industry Action For Good' Raises $120,000 For Water-Poor Population In Madagascar

The International Desalination Association's (IDA) landmark "Desalination Industry Action for Good" conference has raised $120,000 to help alleviate water shortages for residents of Ankililoaka, Madagascar. IDA's contribution of $60,000 to this humanitarian project was matched by Rotary International, which supported the conference. Held recently in Portofino, Italy, this event was the first dedicated solely to the topic of desalination and social responsibility.

Ankililoaka is home to 100,000 people, approximately half of whom are children. Currently, these people have access to only one well for every 1,800 inhabitants. Many of these wells are dug by hand. With the funds donated by IDA and Rotary, at least 20 new wells will be dug over the next two years. In addition, the project will reactivate existing wells that are no longer operational. This will significantly improve residents' access to drinking water in the area by providing one well for every 500 inhabitants.

"Inspiration turned into action when Rotary International approached IDA to help to raise funds for the Ankililoaka water project through this conference. All of us at IDA are pleased to lend our support to this important project. It is our fervent hope that this conference will help create a wave of action that benefits humanity in all corners of the globe," noted Dr. Corrado Sommariva, Co-chairman of the conference.

Sessions held focused on the topic of water as a basic human need and examined technological advances and operational strategies to provide water at more affordable and sustainable prices.

A separate session explored how the desalination industry can respond quickly during crises, including rapid deployment of desalination resources in the event of natural disasters and other humanitarian crises around the world. As a result of these discussions, IDA has formed a Humanitarian Outreach Committee.

About IDA
The International Desalination Association is a non-profit association that serves more than 2,400 core members in 60 countries and reaches an additional 4,000 affiliate members. Its membership comprises scientists, end-users, engineers, consultants and researchers from governments, corporations and academia. IDA is associated with the United Nations as part of a growing international network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For more information, visit www.idadesal.org.

SOURCE: The International Desalination Association