On the occasion of World Water Day on March 22, 2026, GARDENA announces that the partnership with UNICEF will continue. Both organizations are committed to improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and good hygiene for children and families worldwide.
4-year-old Owen Kayinga drinks water from a water tap donated by UNICEF.
A partnership with impact since 2018
Since the start of our partnership in 2018, we have provided access to clean and safe water, sanitation, and good hygiene for 330,000 children and families. The goal is to increase this number to 355,000 children and families by the end of 2026, so that even more people in vulnerable areas can rely on these essential services.
Campaign 'A Flourishing Future – Every Drop Counts'
The campaign 'A Flourishing Future, Every Drop Counts' runs in 2026 and aims to raise awareness about water scarcity and highlight water as one of the most precious and life-sustaining resources in the world.
At GARDENA, water is central to everything the brand does. The company understands that water means life: for gardens to flourish, for communities to grow, and for children to develop. That is why GARDENA supports UNICEF's WASH program (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) so that children and families can grow up healthier and safer and thrive.
Water as the foundation for a healthy future
Access to clean drinking water and good sanitation remains one of the biggest challenges for children worldwide. An estimated 1.2 billion children still lack access to safe drinking water. Clean water and good hygiene are essential for health, education, and a flourishing future – especially now that climate change is causing more frequent droughts, floods, and increasing water scarcity in many regions.
By planting trees, U-Reporters help create a safe and sustainable environment for children, with better access to food and education.
Read also: Circular office: here's how to do it smartly 
Concrete support for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Thanks to the partnership with GARDENA, UNICEF can deploy resources where the need is greatest: from improving water infrastructure and expanding sanitation facilities to hygiene education and promoting healthy habits, such as handwashing, and providing emergency assistance in crisis situations. These initiatives help prevent diseases, improve health, and give children and families the chance to learn and build a better future.
Maha Elkharbotly, President of GARDENA, says: 'Our partnership with UNICEF is of great significance to us. In my career, I have often seen how access to clean water, sanitation, and good hygiene changes lives and strengthens entire communities. Water means life. With this partnership, we stand alongside UNICEF to ensure that more children and families have access to this fundamental necessity of life. Together, we are committed to a goal that reaches far beyond our own organization.'
The approach of GARDENA reflects the trust and commitment that form the basis of this long-term partnership. At the same time, this approach ensures that support reaches those who need it most, so that children and communities worldwide benefit as much as possible.
'The world is in a water crisis, and children are suffering the most from it. At UNICEF, we believe that every child deserves a fair chance not just to survive, but to grow and develop. Safe drinking water is crucial for their health, nutrition, education, and development. Providing access to safe water, sanitation, and good hygiene is a shared responsibility, to which we can all contribute wherever possible. We greatly appreciate GARDENA's support, as their long-term commitment helps create a lasting impact for children who need it most.' Evariste Kouassi-Komlan, Global Director Water and Sanitation Practice, UNICEF.
Madagascar, 2024.
Read also: International Women's Day 2026: beyond symbolism
Growing awareness, at home and worldwide
In addition to supporting UNICEF's programs, the partnership also contributes to greater awareness of the value of water. The campaign invites people to reflect on the role water plays in daily life and the challenges many communities around the world face. By connecting global water challenges with everyday habits, the campaign encourages people to think about the true value of water – in regions struggling with water crises, but also closer to home.
While millions of families worldwide struggle to access clean water, water is often taken for granted in countries like the Netherlands – even in the garden. With this campaign, GARDENA aims to raise awareness of how we use water and inspire people to use it more carefully and sparingly. Every drop counts.
Niko Huysegoms, Managing Director BeNeLux GARDENA says: 'Water is life, it means growth – in nature, for people, and certainly for future generations. With this partnership, we want to raise awareness of the value of water and encourage more careful use of it. Even small actions, when taken by many, can help protect this precious resource and create a lasting impact.'
By linking global water challenges to our daily behavior, GARDENA and UNICEF aim to create lasting awareness while contributing to concrete improvements for children and families in areas where the need is greatest. This initiative shows that even one drop, multiplied by millions, can contribute to a healthier future.
More information about the campaign can be found through GARDENA's social channels and website. 
Donating to UNICEF can be done directly via gardena.com/unicef
Read also: Why the right equipment determines your yield
