Contact: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Press Office, 202-712-4320; Public Information, 202-712-4810

WASHINGTON, March 26 /Standard Newswire/ -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today recognized The Coca-Cola Company with the 2007 Alliance of the Year award for its efforts to promote sustainable water management in developing countries through the Water and Development Alliance (WADA). The award is given annually by USAID's Global Development Alliance office to recognize outstanding public-private partnerships that address international development challenges.

Since 2005, The USAID and The Coca-Cola Company have collaborated in a unique public-private alliance to address global water challenges. Working in conjunction with local USAID Missions and Coca-Cola system partners (foundations and bottling facilities), WADA supports activities to protect and sustain watersheds, increase access to water supply and sanitation, and enhance productive uses of water.

"The water challenges we face as a planet and throughout the developing world are enormous. None of us can address these problems alone," said Henrietta H. Fore, USAID Administrator. "Coca-Cola's commitment to this alliance demonstrates the potential to increase the impact of U.S. government development assistance through catalytic relationships between the public and private sectors. The Water and Development Alliance is a model partnership, and a fine example of how private sector expertise and interests can make real contributions to sustainable development."

WADA increased its investment in water sector activities by more than $4 million in 2007-2008, now reaching over $14 million of combined funding since 2005. The alliance has leveraged its community development efforts with Coca-Cola system business investments in water stewardship, creating synergies that result in deeper and more sustainable impacts for people and the environment. WADA is having a positive impact on the lives of over a quarter million people and on the health of ecosystems in 17 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. New WADA activities are under development around the world for implementation through 2010. Interest in becoming involved in this unique relationship is growing rapidly throughout the USAID and Coca-Cola systems.

"Water is the key ingredient in our beverages and is essential for life, health and sustainable communities," said E. Neville Isdell, chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company. "By partnering with USAID and mobilizing our respective resources, we have created a multiplier effect that contributes to the sustainability of our business and helps to improve the lives of people throughout the world."

For more information on this and other USAID projects and programs, please visit www.usaid.gov.  To learn more about specific alliance efforts in the countries in which USAID and The Coca-Cola Company work together, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/community_initiatives/USAID.html

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.