What is the project about?

“To Life with Water” is a joint initiative implemented by UNDP Türkiye, QNB Finansbank, and the Habitat Association. The project aims to educate children aged 7–14 on water conservation, sustainable water use, and the importance of clean and safe water. It also promotes behavioral change through volunteer-led local trainings, environmental workshops, and open-source educational materials.

The project directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

By focusing on early-age awareness, the project helps build long-term societal resilience to water-related challenges.

What is the situation?

Türkiye is classified as a water-stressed country, despite its geographic location. With average annual precipitation well below global averages and increasing climate-related pressures, the country faces serious risks regarding sustainable water supply. Globally, 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population could be living under water-stressed conditions (according to WWC and UN Water).

In Türkiye, an estimated 3 million children aged 7–14 represent a crucial demographic for early intervention. However, water conservation is not yet sufficiently integrated into early education. There is a need for hands-on, community-based education to ensure that water-saving habits are developed at a young age and carried into adulthood.

What is our mission?

The mission of the “To Life with Water” project is to raise awareness among children about the importance of water conservation and responsible water use, including rainwater harvesting and pollution prevention. By equipping young people with essential knowledge, skills, and sustainable habits at an early age, the project aims to foster a generation that is environmentally conscious and actively engaged in climate action. It also seeks to build a strong network of trained young ambassadors and corporate volunteers who will deliver local trainings and inspire their communities. In doing so, the project promotes multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together the private sector, civil society, public institutions, and international organizations to amplify the impact of collective action on water sustainability. Ultimately, the project aims to to promote sustainable water consumption practices by educating children, building a culture of environmental responsibility, and equipping future generations with the knowledge and tools to manage water resources wisely.

How are we doing this?

The “To Life with Water” project is implemented through a comprehensive, community-based model focused on education, volunteerism, and multi-sector collaboration. At the heart of the initiative is a Training of Trainers programme, through which 50 young volunteers are trained to deliver educational sessions on water conservation, while an additional 25 QNB employees support the project activities as field volunteers. These ambassadors deliver interactive classroom trainings and environmental workshops to children aged 7–14 in 20 provinces across Türkiye, with a focus on reaching socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. 

The training curriculum covers topics such as water conservation, rainwater use, and sustainability. The project also includes digital components, including a dedicated website that hosts open-source educational content and animation-based learning modules. To increase visibility and engagement, a Water Awareness Festival is organized on March 22^nd World Water Day, bringing together national and international participants. All activities are supported by strong partnerships with local authorities, NGOs, schools, and the private sector, ensuring wide reach and long-term impact.

How will Türkiye benefit?

Through the “To Life with Water” project, Türkiye will benefit from long-term behavioral change among children, as 5,000 students aged 7–14 will participate in face-to-face and online trainings that foster awareness and responsible water use from an early age. The project will also empower 50 young trainers and 25 corporate volunteers by equipping them with training, facilitation, and community engagement skills, contributing to a culture of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. 

At the institutional level, the project strengthens local capacities by building networks among municipalities, schools, NGOs, and civil society organizations to implement water sustainability programmes. It directly supports Türkiye’s national goals on climate adaptation while aligning with global priorities under the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDGs 6, 13, 14, and 17. Finally, as an initiation plan, the project lays the groundwork for scaling up successful activities into a broader and more impactful long-term programme.