Singapore Intl. Water Week announced that a record number of nominations were received for the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2011. A total of 72 nominations were submitted this year, a 38% increase from the year before. The leap in entries is the largest since the award was inaugurated in 2008, and is a testament to the growing stature of the award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to solving water challenges around the world.
Launched in 2008 to honor outstanding contributions by individuals or organizations towards solving the world's water problems by applying innovative technologies or implementing policies and programs which benefit humanity, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize is the highlight of Singapore Intl. Water Week, held annually in Singapore. The award is named after the founding father of modern Singapore, who was the country’s first prime minister and is currently minister mentor. A total of 72 nominations were received this year, far exceeding past years' numbers. The award has also garnered attention across all continents. Entries were received for the first time from Tunisia, Egypt and Austria.
"We are very heartened by the increase in nominations as it is a reflection of the importance and momentum the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize is gaining on the world stage. This year's nominees, while diverse geographically, are all high quality submissions which have achieved significant impact in their real life application," said Michael Toh, managing director for Singapore International Water Week.
Nominations for the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2011 closed on Oct. 31. The entries covered a wide range of solutions, including application of innovative technologies for water and used water collection and treatment, as well as water recycling, implementation of revolutionary water policies and programs, management of agricultural waters and rainwater, plus the administration of humanitarian aid. The nominations also include several exceptional research projects conducted in the fields of limnology, microbial pathogens, novel desalination and membrane processes. All nominees showed a strong understanding of the ever-evolving needs for today's urban environment and presented sustainable solutions to combat these challenges.
Source: Singapore Intl. Water Week
