585A - International Year of Water Cooperation

United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation. The purpose is to raise general awareness about the possibility of increased cooperation on this precious resource. Icelandic institutions and nonprofit organizations have been involved in international relief efforts, which include digging wells to provide water for people in drought areas. The Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA) has been working in several countries drilling for water and digging waterwells. The Youth Organization of the National Church has also been actively involved in the relief effort, for instance in Malawi. With the assistance of the Icelandic Church Aid residents have been digging wells, installing waterwell pumps and thereby gaining better access to clean water.