"Warka Water Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges."
MISSION
"we empowers underserved communities by delivering innovative, sustainable solutions for essential human needs: clean water, sanitation, education, and dignified shelter. Through community-driven design, technical training, and environmental stewardship, we foster resilience, self-reliance, and long-term well-being, restoring dignity and creating pathways to a sustainable, equitable future."
Arturo Vittori (av)
VISION
"we envision a world where every community thrives with dignity and harmony, empowered by equal access to essential resources and opportunities. A world where sustainable living, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship come together to inspire self-reliance, resilience, and a united global movement toward a just and inclusive future."
av
THE STORY
“In 2013, during a visit to rural Ethiopia, I witnessed the stark reality of communities without clean water, electricity, or sanitation. Moved by their struggles, I asked: How can I, as an architect, help alleviate this suffering?”. AV
THE NEED
“Every day, millions walk miles for contaminated water, risking illness and malnutrition. This relentless struggle inspired us to find innovative solutions to improve lives and eliminate water scarcity."
av
WARKA TOWER
"In 2015, the first Warka Tower pilot in Dorze, Ethiopia, proved our vision by providing clean water through an innovative, passive system. This success led to the establishment of Warka Water Inc., enabling us to expand our impact globally."
av
INITIATIVES
"Beyond addressing water scarcity, Warka Water has evolved into a platform for holistic development. Our initiatives now encompass sanitation, housing, sustainable agriculture, education, and livelihood generation. Each project is designed as an integrated solution, culturally rooted, environmentally conscious, and community driven to uplift vulnerable populations, restore dignity, and build long-term resilience."
av
THE NAME
The name “Warka” comes from Ethiopia’s Warka Tree, a symbol of community, ecosystem balance, and spiritual significance, a source of life and a gathering place.
INSPIRATION
WARKA TREE
"Like the Warka Tree, we provide life-sustaining solutions that unite and strengthen communities."
BIOMIMICRY
"Nature inspires us—mimicking plants and insects that collect water in harsh environments to create innovative solutions."
TRADITIONS
“We integrate traditional skills and local materials with modern technologies to create sustainable designs.”
av
PHILOSOPHY
"At Warka Water, we design eco-friendly infrastructures inspired by nature and rooted in tradition. Guided by the Genius Loci—the spirit of each place—we blend local knowledge with innovation to create sustainable, culturally respectful solutions. Our approach empowers communities, fosters resilience, and restores dignity through design."
av
IMPACT
"Our impact extends beyond providing potable water. We empower local communities by creating economic opportunities, such as local employment in construction and maintenance. This allows women and children to dedicate time to education, care, and cultural or productive activities, fostering resilience and long-term growth within the community."
av
CONTEXTS
"We are active in Tanzania with the SEED Initiative in Pemba, focusing on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community-led development for lasting empowerment and growth."
steps
The main activities we undertake to develop our projects can be summarised in 3 steps (S01, S02, S03):
S01 PREPARATION
/ Analysis / Selection / Needs / Objectives / Proposal / Fundraising /
S02 PROGRESS
/ Planning / Training / Construction / Supervision / Implementation /
S03 ACTIVITIES
/ Environment / Education / Training / Economy / Management /
ACTIONS
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, our work addresses several global challenges, creating impactful, long-term solutions for vulnerable communities.
FILM
The “Warka Village” is the title of a documentary project based on the real history of the work of the non-profit Warka Water Inc. & Partners, conducted between 2019-2021.
