WASsERLEBEN Event Recognised for Its Contribution to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

Unesco had previously approved the content and concept of the event. The goal of WASsERLEBEN is to above all interest young people in the subject of water and to provide information on its many and varied aspects. A dedicated display hall will feature hands-on experiments, interactive modules, quiz rounds and all kinds of information material. Long-standing, regular exhibitors include Berliner Wasserbetriebe, Deutscher Wetterdienst, Naturschutzjugend Brandenburg, Grüne Liga, Ökowerk Berlin, universities, the Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment, schools from the Berlin/Brandenburg region and many others. In many cases their activities are voluntary. More than 11,000 visitors attended the last WASsERLEBEN in 2011.

The United Nations has declared 2005 to 2014 as the “world decade of education for sustainable development.” Unesco has been given the task of international coordination. The aim is to give everyone the education opportunities to acquire the knowledge, values, approach and lifestyle necessary for a viable future and to make positive changes in society.

Commenting on Unesco’s decision, Cornelia Wolff von der Sahl, the Messe Berlin project manager of the event, said: “We are proud and delighted to have been recognised for our contribution to the UN decade of education for sustainable development. This is an outstanding recognition of the commitment of our many voluntary supporters and will help us to further develop this event for the public. The greater the amount of information that is disseminated, the more responsible people’s approach will be towards dealing with water in the interests of a viable future.”

WASsERLEBEN has been given permission to carry the official logo of the UN decade of education for sustainable development. Projects, communities, institutions and companies may only do so following approval by Unesco.