For companies to strengthen water stewardship and sustainability, they must invest in cross-sector action within priority river basins and value chains and proactively engage in public-private partnerships on nature-based solutions for resilience. These are two of the five vital shifts identified in The Future Water Agenda: How water can lead the way for sustainability and collective action, a new report from GlobeScan and WWF.
A global survey of over 350 expert stakeholders across industries and regions reveals that collective action in river basins is the most effective and impactful way for companies to achieve meaningful water stewardship outcomes. Moving forward, efforts should focus on mobilizing a critical mass of organizations to drive real, lasting improvements in nature and ecosystems across corporate value chains.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Our research uncovers a key gap between what companies currently prioritize in water stewardship and what experts consider most effective. While many businesses focus on their own operations and water efficiency, the most significant water impacts and risks for many industries lie in their value chains and the broader river basins on which they depend. Experts emphasize that companies need to shift their focus to basin- and catchment-level water issues to truly address environmental challenges, mitigate business risks, and build more resilient supply chains.
Looking ahead, experts stress that collaborative action in river basins must include all sectors and stakeholders, with increased public-private cooperation to scale impact. Local actors such as municipal and community leaders play a crucial role in building trust, identifying challenges, designing programs, and implementing long-term solutions.
Supported by 20 member companies, the report and shared research program led by GlobeScan and WWF included a global survey consultation with over 350 expert stakeholders in 63 countries, a public opinion survey of 30,000 people across 31 countries and territories, 29 in-depth interviews with experts across sectors, and research on NGO campaigning on water issues by SIGWATCH.
To learn more, see also the joint paper co-authored by WWF and other organizations entitled Unpacking Collective Action in Water Stewardship.
Survey Question: Of the following actions that companies can contribute to, which would be the most beneficial for more effective and impactful water stewardship outcomes? Select up to three.
Source: GlobeScan & WWF Shaping the Future Water Agenda (Survey of 352 water and sustainability experts across 63 countries and territories in November ‒ December 2024)
