The Latin American and the Caribbean Water Prizes (PLACA) is an initiative of the Water Center for the Humid Tropics of Latin America and the Caribbean (CATHALAC) in partnership with Plan International's Regional Office for the Americas (ROA), with the collaboration of the Panama Canal Authority, CARE International, Olga Sinclair, UNICEF's Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean, the Latin America in Solidarity Action (ALAS) Foundation, UNEP's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Courtyard by Marriott Panama Real Hotel, New Concept Publications, Travitur, and Taller Quimera. This initiative is intended to promote the International Decade for Action "Water for Life" 2005 - 2015 proclaimed by the United Nations.

Any individual, community, Community-Based Organization, business, school, or voluntary group that contributes to the conservation and protection of water resources, and which improves the well-being of inhabitants and ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean, is eligible to be nominated.

For 2007 The PLACA WATER PRIZE CATEGORIES include:

• Individual Prize (any individual may be nominated)
• Community Prize (communities, Community-Based Organizations may be nominated)
• Business Prize (any business may be nominated)
• Junior Prize (young individuals up to the age of 18, schools: elementary and/or high schools, voluntary groups such as Eco-clubs, Scouts, etc. may be nominated)

As of this year, a LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD has been introduced. This special recognition will be awarded to an individual who throughout life has dedicated himself/herself to activities that promote sustainability and conservation of water resources.

Visit www.cathalac.org/placa for nomination guidelines and on-line nomination. Nominations for the 2007 PLACA Water Prizes needed to have been received by July 31, 2007, but check the website to learn when the next announcement will be made.