In order to address the alarming water problems of certain communities in the country, UNESCO-Vietnam set up a clean water project and creatively launched it through a photo contest with the said theme.

Because of frequent flooding, drought and soil salinization, water sources in the localities of Central and Southern Vietnam have been greatly imperilled. In order to solve the water shortage, the Representative Office of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations in Ho Chi Minh City initiated the Clean Water and the Environment Project (CWEP) to provide clean water to the said communities. The project is good for three years and costs US$5 million.

More than 1,000 entries joined the contest showing the distressing water situation in the localities as well as how the residents were trying to cope. Three best photos were chosen with monetary prizes of VND10 million ($450) for the first prize; VND5 million ($225) for the second prize; and VND3 million ($135) for the third prize. Consolation prizes of VND1 million ($45) were also given to a number of noteworthy submissions.

According to the judges, who accepted the responsibility voluntarily and therefore didn’t receive any payment for their work, the photo contest did not only raise awareness for the current water problem in the said communities, but also for “environmental protection, water conservation and building the community” as a whole. Moreover, it also became a venue for photography enthusiasts to showcase their talent.