International Water Management Institute named 2012 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate

STOCKHOLM, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), with headquarters in Colombo, Sri
Lanka, has been named the 2012 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate for their pioneering
research that has served to improve agriculture water management, enhance food security,
protect environmental health and alleviate poverty in developing countries.

For full press release, translations, background facts, photos and video material,
visit: http://www.siwi.org/SWP2012

Seventy percent of global freshwater withdrawals are used in agriculture. With global
food demand projected to double by mid-century, more food will need to be grown with less
water. IWMI has been the driving force promoting policies and techniques to help farmers
to produce ‘more crop per drop’, and to implement solutions that enable agriculture to
cultivate enough food to feed the planet’s growing population with limited water
resources.

In its citation, The Stockholm Water Prize Nominating Committee states: “The
International Water Management Institute is the foremost organisation in agricultural
water management. Their work has led to new policies and investments in agriculture that
have not only enabled more productive use of water, but have enhanced food security,
economic development and environmental health around the world.”

Founded in 1984, IWMI is a nonprofit, scientific research organisation focusing on the
sustainable use of land and water resources in agriculture, to benefit poor people in
developing countries. Over the past quarter century, it has established its place as the
definitive source for comprehensive knowledge on global land and water resources. It is
headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with regional offices across Asia and Africa. IWMI is
a CGIAR Consortium Research Centre.

On receiving the news, Dr. Colin Chartres, Director-General of IWMI said: “It is an
incredible honour for our organisation… The real winners, of course, are IWMI’s
dedicated staff members who, for just over a quarter of a century, have consistently
delivered research of the highest quality. This work has had a profound influence on water
management policy throughout the globe, delivering real benefits for some of the poorest
people on earth.”

H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is the patron of the prize and will present it at
a Royal Award Ceremony during the 2012 World Water Week in Stockholm on August 30. The
Stockholm Water Prize is a global award presented annually by the Stockholm International
Water Institute. The Laureate receives USD 150,000 and a crystal sculpture specially
designed by Orrefors.

SOURCE Stockholm International Water Institute