With thanks to Peter van der Linde (NWP)

Jan 2008

These problems need to be solved….

Information is spread over a large number of sources and hard to find for non specialists

The development sector is inefficient: 15-30 % of funds are directed away from intended beneficiaries.

The development sector struggles to attract additional flows of money to provide water / sanitation to the poor

The development sector struggles to share and visualise results and suffers from a lack of transparency

‘High barriers of entry for outsiders’

Akvo will tackle these problems in an innovative way….

Akvo will provide three integrated products:

- Akvopedia – an open knowledge platform dedicated to small scale water and sanitation solutions

- Akvo Matchmaking – an online marketplace to connect funds directly to local initiatives

- Akvo Really Simple Reporting – an easy and transparent way to track projects in the field

Akvopedia – open knowledge…..

The Akvopedia is an online open knowledge base for easy to implement, sustainable, inexpensive solutions for water and sanitation

Benefits:- central open database for appropriate solutions- reduction of knowledge sharing costs- low barriers of entry to information for non-specialists- owned by all

Akvopedia is available to use today at www.akvo.org

Akvo Matchmaking – direct funding….

Akvo Matchmaking will make it possible to connect funds directly to projects from trusted local intermediaries through online donations and loans

Benefits:- significant reduction of overhead costs- easy attraction of additional flows of money - demand driven funding (transparent)- possibilities to fund small projects (scale-up)

Some of the principles have already been tried in the market successfully by others like www.kiva.org

Akvo RSR – really simple reporting….

Akvo Really Simple Reporting (RSR) is a water and sanitation project monitoring and reporting platform. It will be integrated with mobile phone (SMS) tools.

Benefits:- significant cost reduction - easy to manage / monitor large numbers of projects - easy to intervene in projects pro-actively - visualisation of results (descriptions/pictures/movies)

The Akvo Matchmaking, Monitoring and Reporting systems are expected to be delivered in August 2008

Not for profit, but run as a business….

Akvo is in the process of being established as a non-profit foundation in the Netherlands. It is founded by IT, water and sanitation experts.

Founding organizations:

- GreenOcean

- IRC International Centre for Water and Sanitation

- Netherlands Water Partnership

- Movement Design Bureau

- UNESCO - IHE

Our current status….

Our partner organisations….

Committed launching customers:1. Fodra (Delhi - India)2. Arghyam (Bangalore - India)3. Waste / Simavi (global school sanitation program)

Committed initial content providers (in kind):- IRC, Waste, Practica, Acacia, SNV, MWF Interested funding organisations:- Partners for Water, UN habitat, FMO Bank, SNS Bank,

ASN Bank, NWP, Global Water Challenge (CSR for multinationals) and several private investors.

August 2008 - be up and running….

We are securing a 500.000 Grant to be able to:

• develop a running website with a simplified design

• set-up a program to build out the content of Akvopedia

• develop the Akvo matchmaking software

• develop and field-test Akvo Really Simple Reporting

• extend our international partnership network

• run a ‘frontrunner’ marketing campaign

• secure investors / soft loans to run Akvo after august

Why be involved with Akvo now?

Akvo can speed up the implementation of water and sanitation solutions. You will benefit by:

• being exposed as and part of our rapidly growing network and online community.

• linking your organisation to an innovative, inspiring new brand with proven and early success.

• being incorporated in our innovative and refreshing marketing campaign.

• being a first user to make sure Akvo fits your needs.