Awards recognize and honor leaders within their industries. The International RiverFoundation has taken matters a step further: Winners of its annual Riverprize awards are urged to put their expertise to work in a developing community.
The award, which recognizes innovation, leadership and excellence in river and water management for developed countries, pairs winners with communities in developing markets through a Twinning program. The goal is to take the industry’s best practices and standards and use them to improve water quality in areas with the greatest need.
International RiverFoundation’s experience provides a practical model for linking industry and the private sector expertise to development initiatives. The foundation sees growing demand for this type of work — connecting companies to communities on the ground.