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Setting Site Water Targets Informed By Catchment Context

Redactie openresearch.amsterdam

The world’s water resources are under growing pressure from rising water consumption, greater pollution, weak governance, and climate change—exposing companies to increased water-related risks. In response, many companies are engaging in water stewardship and setting water targets to help address their water- related externalities and secure water for the growing needs of all users.

Site water targets informed by catchment context have an important role to play in addressing water challenges and driving informed actions at the local level. Yet a minority of companies are setting them.2

This guide aims to help companies set effective site water targets that are informed by catchment context, which can create value and lessen risks for the company and support collective action. This guide is intended for site staff or technical water specialists responsible for water management, and relevant corporate staff. This guide lays out three key elements for setting effective site water targets:

  1. Water targets should respond to priority water challenges within the catchment;

  2. The ambition of water targets should be informed by site’s contribution to water challenges and desired conditions; and

  3. Water targets should reduce water risk, capitalize on opportunities, and contribute to public sector priorities.

Source: UN Global Compact CEO Water Mandate, Pacific Institute, CDP, The Nature Conservancy, World Resources Institute, WWF, UNEP- DHI Partnership Centre for Water and Environment. 2019. Setting Site Water Targets Informed by Catchment Context: A Guide for Companies.

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Icon image: Flickr - water catchment

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