OSCE supports efficient water use in schools and universities in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 5 August 2011 – Water meters have been installed in 14 schools and university campuses in Bishkek as part of a joint OSCE/Regional Ecological Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) initiative to improve the use of scarce water resources.

The schools and universities will use the meters to control and monitor water consumption and develop plans for more efficient water use. The collected data on water consumption will also be used in lessons as a practical example of water management. Several schools and universities that do not have clean drinking water will be equipped with water filters. An additional six schools will be equipped with the same devices by the end of 2011.

“Water is a precious resource in the region. The OSCE promotes best practices in water management including efficient control over the quality of drinking water,” said Lillian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “Young people participating in this project will be able to share their experience in improving water use with their communities.”

Azamat Khudaibergenov, the Director of the CAREC office in Bishkek, said: “The purpose of the project is to mainstream water security issues in schools and universities of Kyrgyzstan and to inspire young people to practice integrated water resource management in their communities. Implementation of water efficiency measures at schools will make of them models for their communities and demonstrate the benefits of the saving policy.”

Presentations on global best practices on water efficiency in educational institutions, and workshops for teachers are scheduled for autumn 2011.