Proceeds of Carla Bruni’s photograph for SODIS

10 April 2007

Carla Bruni’s photo by the star photographer Michel Comte was auctioned in New York today, April 10, 2008. The proceeds will be donated to the SODIS project of the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag.

On 10 April 2008 during one of the most important photo campaigns of the year, Christie’s auctioned 135 photographs of Gert Elfering’s collection in New York. The photograph of Carla Bruni taken by the star photographer Michel Comte was among the photos auctioned. This photograph was sold for USD 91'000. The proceeds of this photo will go to the Sodis project of the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag. 

Sodis (Solar Water Disinfection) is a simple method to turn contaminated raw water into drinking water. Sodis uses sunlight and plastic bottles to eliminate the diarrhoeal pathogens in the water. Under Martin Wegelin’s leadership, Eawag has investigated Sodis and endorsed the dissemination of the method in developing countries. More than two million people in some 30 countries currently use Sodis. Sodis is also recommended by the WHO since still more than one third of the population in the developing world lacks access to safe drinking water. Each day approximately 6,000 children die from diarrhea caused – in most cases – by contaminated drinking water.

Rik Eggen, Deputy Director of Eawag, is pleased: «This support is capital, as it helps us to further disseminate the method, improve water quality, reduce illness and even save lives.» Sodis relies on sponsoring and has been supported by the Michel Comte Water Foundation for several years. Currently Michel Comte travels in Cambodia, photographing for Sodis, amongst others.

Further information: Rik Eggen, Deputy Director Eawag, +41 44 823 53 20
www.sodis.ch

• Media release April 10, 2008 [pdf, 41.7 KB]
  

Sodis research at Eawag (left) and Sodis instructions in Kenya (right)