Asia Transpacific Foundation’s Clean Water Initiative Receives Top Honor
Educational Travel Conference Recognizes Asia Transpacific Foundation Efforts in Asia
BOULDER, CO - January 27, 2011 - Asia Transpacific Foundation has
just received first-place honors from the Educational Travel
Conference's Responsible Tourism Committee in recognition of their
Clean Water Initiative, chosen from an impressive group of
applicants. First prize includes a $1,000 monetary recognition, and
acknowledgment at the ETC 2011 Conference, held in February.
Water sources in Asia are abundant yet rife with disease. Asia Transpacific
Foundation-the charitable arm of Asia Transpacific Journeys, a
US-based Asia tour operator-pioneered the production of simple clay
filters that are locally produced in Asia using affordable,
indigenous materials. The technology utilizes clay, rice husks and
kilns. When water is filtered through the ceramic filter, 100% of
all harmful bacterial is eliminated. Jobs are created at the local
level, and health rates have soared, especially among vulnerable
young children.
"We're gratified at the recognition," notes Marilyn Downing Staff,
Founder and CEO of Asia Transpacific Journeys. "But the real
winners are the people in rural villages throughout Myanmar who now
have access to clean drinking water. The prize money will go to
producing more filters that will benefit more people. Talk about a
win-win."
Asia Transpacific Foundation | www.asiatranspacificfoundation.org
Asia Transpacific Foundation, established in 1998 is the
charitable arm of tour operator Asia Transpacific Journeys, the
nation's leading Asia tour company specializing exclusively in
custom journeys and small group trips in the Asia/Pacific region.
Asia Transpacific Foundation is a volunteer-driven, IRS registered
501(c)(3) non-profit foundation.
About the Educational Travel Community
The Educational Travel Community (ETC) is a membership
organization dedicated to promoting academic travel through the
University and Museum communities nationwide.