"The UNDP Water Stewardship Program has been establishing pilot sites and improving the quality and quantity of drinking water in underserved rural areas across China since 2007, and Coca-Cola is delighted to be able to continue to support the organization in this important work," said Mr. Walsh. "The money donated will sustain the initiative's operations until 2013, ensuring that the UNDP can continue to raise awareness of important issues including water re-use, sustainable agriculture, and water policy advocacy."

Silvia Morimoto, Deputy Country Director, UNDP China, added, "We are thrilled that The Coca-Cola Company remains stalwart in its support of the UNDP Water Stewardship Program, which has accomplished a great deal towards developing best practices for communities across the country. With this second donation, we will be able to push through with further plans, including the Guangxi Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative, which will help residents of Guangxi province develop new sustainable sugarcane cultivation practices in the aftermath of recent natural disasters that cut off established water supplies. The program will open access to safe drinking water while providing communities with a system to sustainably maintain their livelihoods going forward."

Mr. Walsh also unveiled a further USD 2 million commitment towards Coca-Cola's efforts as part of the ongoing WWF and Coca-Cola Yangtze Partnership. Originally set up in 2007, the Yangtze Partnership has become a transformational NGO-business partnership that has improved the health of key water source areas in the Yangtze River basin and, subsequently, the living standards of surrounding communities. Coca-Cola's donation will extend the Partnership until 2013, while focusing on river/wetland restoration, as well as improving the agricultural use of water and anti-pollution measures. Including this latest donation, Coca-Cola has provided over USD 4.5 million to the WWF Yangtze Partnership in China since 2007.