UBB and Mastercard set the beginning of the long-term programme for clean drinking water from the spring to the tap under the “VODIM” motto with the installation of smart filtering fountains at five schools in Sofia to mark the beginning of the school year. The initiative has been launched in the Glaciers’ Year 2025, as announced by the United Nations, and it will involve various projects for restoration of natural water sources, ensuring access to filtered water and the active engagement of communities for the protection of the environment.

The first implemented initiative to this end is that on 15-th September 5 schools in Sofia will welcome 4 500 pupils with new, modern fountains called HYDRASTATIONS. The innovative water dispensers aim at creating healthy habits for water intake and hydration with youngsters, as well as reducing single-use plastics. The official presentation of HYDRASTATIONS was held in the building of 164th High School for Advanced Study of Spanish Language named after Miguel de Cervantes and и 129 Primary School named after Anthim 1st with the presence of Mr. Christof De Mil – Chief Executive Officer of UBB and Mr. Bozhidar Emanuilov – Deputy Mayor of Oborishte Administrative Region.

„Water is not only a vital resource for people, but also a key factor for the sustainable development of communities and the economy.”, said Christof De Mil, Chief Executive Officer of UBB during the event. “For us at UBB this а reason to enhance our commitment to initiatives that support access to clean water, reduction of plastic waste and protection of water sources and we will develop more such initiatives in the future.”

"We are convinced that education and the active involvement of the society in activities dedicated to this cause are the road to a healthier and more sustainable future .”, shared Vanya Manova, Country Manager of Mastercard for Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. “That is why we are very happy to launch this long-term programme with the proper partners and hope that this common cause is going to be more and more embraced by the whole society in the future.“

As early as in 2025 the programme will include activities “from the spring to the tap”, as work is already underway for the restoration of three mountain fountains and micro wetlands around them in Vitosha Mountain. This project is being realized in partnership with the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation and Vitosha Nature Park and aims to simultaneously contribute with access to clean water and with protecting the mountain nature and biodiversity. Soon there will be presentations made on the first locations, selected after exploration by experts with a focus on rare species, condition of water sources and their accessibility for visitors.

In partnership with Oborishte Administrative Region of Sofia Municipality innovative HYDRASTATION fountains have already been installed at the First English Language School and at 112 Primary School named after Stoyan Zaimov, 164th High School for Advanced Study of Spanish Language named after Miguel de Cervantes and и 129 Primary School named after Anthim 1st, and at the Sofia School of Mathematics. Thus, more than 4500 pupils will have access to clean drinking water as of the new school year. The smart fountains offer 4-stage filtration functionality, contactless filling sensors, access for children with special needs, and information about the saved plastic bottles, thus promoting responsibility to nature among young users.