Although Big Business does not traditionally have a good reputation when it comes to water, there is certainly a need for business to look beyond its own needs and for companies to put the public good ahead of their own private interests.
According to a 2013 report from the conservation group WWF International, it is counter-productive not to have talks with progressive businesses when it comes to tackling water risks.
The Vital Relationship between Business and Water
According to the report, the private sector must help establish “safe spaces” for dialogue and action without falling into the trap of resource or policy capture.
The Water Stewardship report presented a 5-step framework for companies wanting to responsibly engage on water issues at the 2013 World Water Week.
It was suggested that starting with internal management processes like impact mapping and water efficiencies was good, but that a more outward-facing role in collaborative partnerships and water policy formation should be the main gist.
Business needs to take part in water management debates because by helping influence and support governance systems, and by building institutions and strengthening water polices, nature, business and society can get the water they need.
WWF called on companies to adhere to the Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate guidelines, and not do the job of government but to unite with other users in coming up with ideas to fix some of the water problems being faced.
Collaboration, not co-option is the way forward, and clear, collective engagement should occur at various levels, including local, regional, national, and global, as was practised by the Alliance for Water Stewardship, a multi-stakeholder group that worked towards the development of an international water stewardship standard that would guide partnerships at both a national and watershed level.
While the private sector needs to be involves because it is often more aware than government of the water issues being faced, it is important that there are checks and balances in place to prevent business co-opting the role of policymakers.
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