Investing in reforestation, for example, was always of immense importance to us. These projects not only mitigate climate change, but also restore degraded ecosystems and protect biodiversity, which directly benefits local communities by providing them with a sustainable source of income, clean water, and protection from natural disasters.

4 years ago, The Nature Conservancy presented us with an amazing opportunity to support their reforestation project in Mantiqueira, a region which has over 1 million hectares of land with the potential to be restored. Thanks to The Nature Conservancy’s project, municipalities, landowners, universities, corporations, and local associations have come together to advance the restoration agenda.

Mangrove forests are vital in stabilizing shorelines, protecting coastal areas from erosion, and mitigating the impacts of climate change by sequestering large amounts of carbon. They are also home to a diverse range of species, from fish to birds and mammals, and support millions of people who rely on mangroves for fishing, farming, and other economic activities.

They also act as natural filters, removing pollutants from the water and improving water quality, which is critical for the health of both humans and marine life. Unfortunately, human activities such as illegal logging, development, and climate change have put mangrove forests in danger, making restoration efforts even more critical.

We also wanted to lend support for one of the most pressing issues facing our oceans today – overfishing. So, we decided to take action and teamed up with the Blue Marine Foundation, which has been working to tackle overfishing in the Aeolian Islands since 2017.

Prior to their pilot education project in 2019, there was only 1 local organization working on marine conservation education in Aeolian schools, with a focus on plastic pollution. We knew we had to do more, and that’s why we decided to support the Blue Marine Foundation’s marine conservation project.

It is not just a basic human right; it’s also a priceless asset for both people and the planet. But water is a limited and unevenly distributed resource, and that makes it all the more crucial to learn how to manage it sustainably.

In the past, the significance of water in driving positive development was not widely acknowledged. However, the scarcity, pollution, and devastating power of water are increasingly becoming a pressing concern, bringing its crucial role in the global environmental and societal context to the forefront of people’s minds, who recognize the vital role of water and so work towards understanding, cherishing, and sustainably managing it to secure a better future for us all.

And to make this happen, we need to prioritize environmental education from an early age. Previously, education had been disregarded as a solution to address water challenges. However, now more than ever, it is being acknowledged as a powerful tool for driving change. Education can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to conserve water and manage this resource. By educating ourselves and others, we can create a more water-resilient world for generations to come.

Starting in schools and continuing through university, we need to equip people with the knowledge and skills they need to make a positive impact on the world. This includes on-the-job training to ensure that people can implement sustainable solutions and adaptations in their local communities.

Through our support for education programs, we aim to create a shift in awareness that will foster lasting positive changes in behavior and transform water management systems for generations to come.

We are committed to tackling the glaring inequalities brought about by water challenges, especially the economic pressure faced by women and young people. As part of our Water Pillar, we have resolved to provide comprehensive water education that empowers communities to take charge of their water resources. Together, we can build a global network of informed and educated individuals who are committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

With that in mind, the Swarovski Waterschool will be integrated into the Swarovski Foundation as the signatory program of the newly denominated Water Pillar. This is an incredible opportunity for us to continue building on the legacy of a project that has already demonstrated its success for over 20 years and will allow the program to amplify its impact and connect with Foundation partners to address the critical challenges of equitable education and access to safe water.

Through the Waterschool, we work alongside local partners to bring education about sustainable water use and protection of nature to young people between the ages of 8 and 18, and through them, their families and communities. By inspiring a lifelong passion for this crucial subject, we are creating a generation of water ambassadors.

“The Waterschool project changed my life in every aspect. It was where my desire to fight for the environment first emerged. I hope that all of our efforts pay off, so that in the future other people can take advantage of the resources we have today.”

Samara Reis,

Waterschool Ambassador,
Brazil Santarem

Our comprehensive program is designed to educate teachers, students, and communities about the principles of sustainable water management, hygiene, and the environment. We accomplish this through our Waterschool teaching materials, which are designed to engage and inspire to make the learning process both informative and fun.

But we don’t stop there. We know that usable water is essential for healthy communities. That’s why we combine education with action and provide access to these resources wherever they are needed, from safe water to sanitation facilities, to help to create healthier communities.