Project head, Veolia Water sales team in Saxony (Germany) sponsors the non-profit organization Kulturkreis Neukirchen.

"Over the last 15 years, Saxony - and more particularly the Chemnitz region where Neukirchen is located - has lost a great many industrial jobs. New companies are now being created and towns are starting to rehabilitate their buildings and infrastructure. However, it is essential to integrate underprivileged people in this process. That is why the "open-air classroom" project struck me as very interesting. The nature track was built by unemployed people. By helping children discover nature, it also contributes to social, ecological and educational goals. What's more, children will be given part of the responsibility for maintaining the track, allowing them to learn a sense of responsibility at an early age. I am delighted that the Veolia Environnement Foundation is supporting this kind of initiative - and contributing to its success. I believe that companies in the industrialized countries have a duty to act in a socially responsible manner. Alongside this financial support, the personal commitment of employees is crucial for passing on know how. After this first experience as a sponsor, I am convinced that the success of a project depends at least as much on the commitment of the people involved as on the amount of the grant awarded."