At the 4th World Water Forum, held in Mexico City in March of 2006, Project WET presented the first Project WET Water Education Visionary Award to Dr. Alvaro Aldama, then director of the Mexican Institute for Water Technology (IMTA).

The award, Project WET’s highest honor, is a sculpture commissioned by Valerie Gates, a long-time Project WET supporter. Dr. Aldama was selected as the initial recipient due to his commitment to water education and involvement with Project WET over many years.

“I have had the privilege of spending time with Dr. Alvaro Aldama and can say, without hesitation, that he is a man of vision and purpose. His support of global water education and his efforts implementing Project WET in Mexico and Latin America have helped establish Project WET as a respected international leader of water education for schools and communities,” Gates said. “Dr. Aldama is committed to bringing partners together for water education, student action, and in his own words from the 4th World Water Forum, ‘contributing to make this a world where water is available in adequate amounts and quality to satisfy the needs of all people.’”

The inspiring sculpture is a flowing design that conveys both the endless movement of water and its enduring importance.

“I wanted to commission a piece of art that Project WET could use to represent the essence of its work– the eternal movement of water connecting and sustaining all life,” said Gates. “The sculptor, Rik Sargent, and I have worked on a variety of projects, and he is gifted at translating words and ideas into physical form.”

This sculpture represents Project WET and its mission of water education, depicted through the tonality and elegant shape of the structure. From any angle, the water drop is apparent, and the graceful curves and open spaces convey the connection between teacher and learner, water user and water educator, the future and the past.