The WASH Foundation, a global leader in water, sanitation, hygiene, and sustainability has partnered with Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) to facilitate The Drop by Drop Project. A collaboration between The WASH Foundation and initiative co-founder Sands, The Drop by Drop Project will reinvest capital from water stewardship efforts into three innovative projects supporting local water champions in Las Vegas, Macao, and Singapore. Managed and operated by The WASH Foundation, The Drop by Drop Project will be supported by water savings from Sands’ conservation programs.

One of the first organizations selected for funding is the the University of St. Joseph Macao (USJ), Institute of Science and Environment, which is investigating ways to enhance local water quality through the use of native wetland plants, especially mangroves, as natural purifiers for water pollution. The research study, entitled “Nature-based Solutions for a Cleaner and Safer Macao,” will also explore potential co-benefits generated for the city such as the reduction of water-related risks (e.g. flooding due to impact of storm surge), ecosystem rehabilitation and maintenance, as well as enhancement and protection of biodiversity in the local coastal wetland ecosystems.

“We are very excited to support this innovative project which aligns extraordinarily well with Sands ECO360’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president of global sustainability at Sands. “Ecosystem services create benefits for both environment and communities and we look forward to supporting and exploring this topic together with USJ.”

The study will assess how native wetland plant species can be utilized for phytoremediation, which is the process by which plants and technology combine to clean contaminated soil, air, and water. The study also investigates the efficiency of the selected wetland mangroves and other plants in the removal of water pollutants through tank experiments. In tandem, public awareness campaigns will promote the concept of nature-based solutions through public talks, organized field trips for students and other members of the local community, mangrove exhibitions (with interactive, engaging activities), and nature-based solutions workshops. The project is being managed by USJ researcher, Karen Tagulao.

“We are excited to see the results of this important study aimed at enhancing coastal water quality in Macao. This is exactly why Sands developed The Drop by Drop Project. Through this impactful initiative, resources are allocated to the improvement of global water systems, one drop at a time,” said Sam Stephens, executive director of The WASH Foundation. For more information on The Drop by Drop Project, please visit: http://thewashfoundation.org/dropbydrop

About Clean the World
The WASH Foundation is an international development and global health nonprofit operating hygiene-focused emergency relief initiatives, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) education programs, targeting vulnerable communities in the United States and around the world. The WASH Foundation is the 501(c)(3) non-profit sector of Clean the World’s social enterprise responsible for all soap and hygiene kit distribution both domestically and globally as part of many of its comprehensive WASH programs. The WASH Foundation engages volunteers, donors, and other outcome-focused organizations around the world to provide hygiene supplies and education curriculum to support its global health programs. Since 2009, The WASH Foundation has served over 10 million individuals through its global WASH programs. A copy of the official registration and financial information for The WASH Foundation may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by visiting https://www.fdacs.gov/ConsumerServices. For more information, visit us online: https://www.thewashfoundation.org.

About Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS)
Las Vegas Sands Corp. is the world’s pre-eminent developer and operator of world-class Integrated Resorts. We created the meetings, incentives, convention, and exhibition (MICE)-based Integrated Resort. Our industry-leading Integrated Resorts provide substantial contributions to our host communities including growth in leisure and business tourism, sustained job creation, and ongoing financial opportunities for local small and medium-sized businesses. Our properties include The Venetian Resort and Sands Expo in Las Vegas and the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd., we have developed the largest portfolio of properties on the Cotai Strip in Macao, including The Venetian Macao, The Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Sands Cotai Central, and The Parisian Macao, as well as the Sands Macao on the Macao Peninsula.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Sandie Beauchamp
Clean the World
info@cleantheworld.org
407-574-8353

Kristin Koca
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Kristin.koca@sands.com
702-414-3218

Link to syndicated press release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/clean_the_world_and_las_vegas_sands_partner_with_the_university_of_saint_joseph_macao_to_enhance_nature_based_solutions_for_macaos_coastal_waters/prweb17238319.htm