2024 Youth Water Contest: Young Innovators from Bolivia Shape the Future of Water
The Gaia Pacha Foundation has announced the successful conclusion of the call for the 2024 Youth Water Contest, an initiative that encourages active participation of Bolivian teenagers in creating innovative solutions to address challenges related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
This year, 158 teams from across the country participated, presenting proposals to tackle critical issues such as climate change, water conservation, and sustainable sanitation practices. The winning projects showcased remarkable creativity and technical expertise in addressing water-related challenges:
First Place: ECOHAIR HIDROHEROINAS (La Paz)
This team developed “ECOHAIR,” a product designed to filter oil-based contaminants from water using tubes made from human hair. Their solution targets motor oil residues in urban drainage systems in La Paz, aiming to reduce pollution and improve water quality in densely populated areas.
Second Place: ROCIELO SELLANO (Tarija)
Their project focuses on an innovative water collection system using polypropylene mesh to capture water through condensation. This system is designed to provide a reliable water supply to the 15 de Abril educational unit, helping mitigate water scarcity in the region.
Third Place: RECIJABON (Trinidad, Beni)
This initiative turns used cooking oils into eco-friendly soaps, contributing to water pollution reduction and promoting circular economy practices in their community. The project also addresses the challenge of waste disposal in a sustainable manner.
The three winning projects will receive tiered funding: 100% for the first-place winner, 50% for second place, and 30% for third place. The implementation of their proposals will be supported by AguaTuya Foundation, a leading organisation in sanitation and water engineering. Additionally, with backing from the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme, these teams will prepare to compete in the prestigious Junior Water Prize in Stockholm in 2025.
The contest, launched in April, called on young people to submit projects with proven environmental impact, whether scientific, social, or technological, centred on sustainable water management. The proposals covered a wide range of innovative solutions in areas such as ecological sanitation, sustainable hygiene practices, and adaptation to climate change.
An awards ceremony will be held on October 5 in La Paz, where the winning teams will receive laptops (first place), computers (second place), and mobile phones (third place), celebrating the dedication and ingenuity of these young environmental leaders and their mentors.
Organised by the Gaia Pacha Foundation in collaboration with UNICEF and Fundación Avina, within the framework of Voices for Just Climate Action, the 2024 Youth Water Contest continues to foster environmental awareness among Bolivian youth, underscoring their vital role in driving sustainable solutions that benefit both their communities and the natural environment.
