Collective action in river basins has emerged as the most effective and impactful strategy for achieving meaningful water stewardship outcomes. According to a global survey of over 350 water stakeholders, efforts to collaborate across sectors in key river basins deliver superior results compared to focusing solely on water efficiency within individual operations. As businesses increasingly face the challenges of water scarcity and environmental degradation, embracing collaborative, basin-level solutions is not only a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. This article explores why prioritizing river basin efforts is crucial for companies seeking to enhance sustainability, mitigate business risks, and strengthen supply chains.
The Gap in Current Water Stewardship Approaches
Despite growing recognition of the need for sustainable water management, many companies continue to focus primarily on improving water usage within their own operations. While this remains an important aspect of environmental sustainability, the real water risks often lie outside the boundaries of individual companies — in the broader value chains and the river basins that support them. Research from GlobeScan and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reveals a stark contrast between the current corporate priorities and the expert consensus on what truly drives water stewardship success. In fact, experts argue that investing in collective action at the river basin level is far more impactful than efforts restricted to internal water efficiency or even industry-wide collaborations.
Why River Basin Action is Crucial
For many industries, the most pressing water impacts and risks stem from external factors like upstream water usage, pollution, and climate change effects. These challenges often extend beyond the individual supply chain and require cross-sector collaboration to address effectively. The importance of shifting focus to basin- and catchment-level issues cannot be overstated. A holistic approach involving multiple stakeholders—businesses, governments, local communities, and NGOs—can address water challenges more comprehensively and sustainably.
As businesses and governments begin to recognize the interconnectedness of water issues across sectors, there is a growing emphasis on public-private partnerships. Local actors such as municipal leaders and community organizations play a key role in ensuring that these efforts are successful, as they bring invaluable insights into the local challenges and the needs of the communities. The combined action of all stakeholders will drive the necessary change and foster trust among affected communities.
Moving Forward: The Role of Collaboration
Looking ahead, collaborative action will be the cornerstone of effective water stewardship in river basins. For businesses, this means not only focusing on their own operations but also working closely with other sectors and stakeholders to tackle water-related risks in a more integrated manner. The inclusion of diverse perspectives—especially from those with on-the-ground expertise—will ensure the long-term success of water stewardship initiatives. Moreover, the increasingly widespread adoption of transparent data and traceability technologies will facilitate the monitoring and scaling of such initiatives, allowing companies to measure their impact more effectively.
A key takeaway from the research is the critical need for cross-sector collaboration in priority river basins. The effects of water scarcity and pollution ripple across industries, affecting not just the companies directly involved but entire communities and ecosystems. By coming together to tackle water issues at the basin level, companies can strengthen their supply chains, enhance their reputation, and mitigate risks, all while contributing to the global effort to preserve one of the world’s most vital resources.
Conclusion
As the research from GlobeScan and WWF clearly shows, collective action in river basins is the most effective way for companies to achieve meaningful and impactful water stewardship. To truly make a difference, businesses must expand their focus beyond internal operations and engage in broader, more collaborative efforts that address water risks at the catchment level. By embracing cross-sector collaboration and supporting local stakeholders, companies can build resilient supply chains, enhance sustainability efforts, and ultimately safeguard the future of our shared water resources.