Who we are
1001fontaines is a non-profit organization that designs and deploys innovative safe drinking water solutions for vulnerable communities by supplying refillable 20-liter bottles.
2004
Creation
of 1001fontaines
2024
1,300,000
consumers
2030
Our goal:
Become the preferred drinking water solution for the vulnerable populations in 5 countries
Our history
1001fontaines was founded in 2004 with the conviction that addressing the safe drinking water access crisis requires the implementation of efficient, innovative, and sustainable solutions that ensure the quality of the water produced and distributed, while meeting the needs of the population.
Chay Lo, a young Cambodian engineer, along with Francois Jaquenoud and Virginie Legrand, design a small production facility prototype for bottled safe drinking water: the water kiosk
1001fontaines Switzerland
Since its creation in 2016, 1001fontaines Switzerland has become a committed advocate for universal access to safe drinking water.
The initiative was born from a passionate team deeply moved by a journey to Cambodia. On the ground, they witnessed the extraordinary impact that safe drinking water can have on health, education, and local development. There, they discovered the water kiosk model: small local enterprises that produce and distribute quality water in remote villages, while creating sustainable jobs and stimulating the local economy. These kiosks have become true symbols of progress and hope.
Inspired by this experience, the Swiss team set out to strengthen and expand this sustainable model, while developing educational programs in Switzerland to raise awareness among young people about the vital importance of safe drinking water.
Under the leadership of Malik Bafou, Executive Director since 2019, the organization has built a strong network of Swiss foundations and partners, becoming a strategic bridge between Swiss philanthropy and sustainable local solutions. Today, more than one million people benefit from safe drinking water thanks to this model.
In 2019, 1001fontaines received the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label: an international recognition celebrating innovations with high environmental and social impact.
Faithful to its values of transparency and professionalism, 1001fontaines Switzerland is proudly Zewo-certified, a distinction that attests to the rigor of its governance, the transparency of its management, and the relevance of its social impact. This recognition strengthens the trust of our partners and donors and reaffirms our commitment to turn every franc invested into a lasting source of positive change.
Our approach
Supplying free safe drinking water in schools
A portion of daily water production is dedicated to the Water in School program
Countries where we operate
BANGLADESH
MADAGASCAR
MYANMAR
CAMBODIA
NEPAL
VIETNAM
Countries where we operate
BANGLADESH
MADAGASCAR
MYANMAR
CAMBODIA
NEPAL
VIETNAM
Countries where we operate
Combining International Recognition and Sectoral Ambition
With over 20 years of experience, we are now convinced of the strong potential for scaling up our approach. By supplying refillable bottled water as an essential service, we provide an efficient response to the challenge of safe water access—one that many communities have already embraced.
At a global scale, this approach could secure sustainable access to safe drinking water for nearly one billion people. Our ambition is to have it recognized as an efficient solution so that, tomorrow, it can be made accessible to the greatest number.
