Sanima has been awarded the prestigious Kunan Grand Prize 2024, the highest recognition for social and environmental entrepreneurship in Peru. This achievement underscores the positive impact of the Container-Based Sanitation (CBS) service, an innovative and safe sanitation alternative, benefiting over 1,600 households in urban human settlements still lacking public water and sewerage network. The service significantly improves people’ quality of life and mitigates health risks.
The Kunan Grand Prize, which includes seed capital of S/.50,000 and technical support from NESsT, recognizes projects with social impact based on innovation, sustainability, and scalability. This recognition from the Kunan will further propel Sanima's purpose of ensuring that every person in Peru have the opportunity to exercise their right to safe, dignified, and sustainable sanitation.
Since its inception in 2014, Kunan has strengthened the social and environmental entrepreneurship ecosystem in Peru. Through the Kunan Challenge, now in its tenth edition, the platform has facilitated spaces for collaboration and visibility for projects addressing the nation’s most urgent challenges. This year’s event was supported by partners such as Movistar, Help Perú, Scotiabank, and the Anglo American Foundation.
In 2014, Sanima was a finalist in the inaugural edition of the award. A decade later, its perseverance, growth, and commitment have led to this significant recognition. Arturo Llaxacondor, General Manager of Sanima, commented:
"I feel happy for two main reasons. First, we have a history of over 11 years addressing a problem that often goes unnoticed. This award will bring attention to an issue that has been long overlooked, one for which immediate solutions already exist. Second, this recognition is for the team behind this incredible work. This award compels us to take the next step: to grow and reach many more families who deserve dignified and safe sanitation."
Regarding the award and Sanima’s service, Orielee Chilquillo, community leader of the Asociación de Vivienda 6 de enero and user, remarked:
"I am very excited and happy. They deserve this for their dedication, efforts, and hard work. Who else thought of collecting human waste? Only Sanima. This idea has allowed many households to access the service and achieve a better quality of life. If the government provided more support to communities still lacking water and sanitation services, it would be excellent because everyone deserves a better quality of life. With pit latrines, life is not dignified; we are always at risk of diseases and accidents, and we cannot live peacefully."
Nicol Damian, a Sanima employee and user, expressed her pride:
"I am very happy. As both a worker and a user, I feel proud and like a winner. Having Kunan award us this prize will help us grow as a family and serve even more users."
This recognition opens new opportunities for Sanima. The Container-Based Sanitation (CBS) service has the potential to integrate into the national strategy for universal sanitation coverage, delivering safe and sustainable solutions to more families and revolutionizing the traditional approach to sanitation.
Learn more about Sanima Pitch at the Kunan Challenge 2024 here:
