A recent paper from the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals highlights the urgent need to prioritize water management on a global scale—just like we do for climate change and biodiversity. The paper urges organizations to shift from traditional methods to more comprehensive approaches focused on water stewardship.
Key Insights
The paper, titled Beyond Compliance: Advancing Environmental Management through Water Stewardship, argues that existing systems, like ISO14001, are no longer enough to tackle today’s water challenges. Issues like climate change, pollution, and population growth are creating risks that demand more than standard compliance.
Lesley Wilson, the ISEP Policy and Engagement Lead, emphasizes that water is a shared resource vital for ecosystems and local communities. “It’s crucial for food production, health care, and industrial operations,” she says. Thus, integrating water stewardship into environmental management allows organizations to play a proactive role in protecting water resources.
Experts agree that water management should receive the same urgency as climate and biodiversity concerns, especially in regions facing extreme water scarcity. Alicia Dauth, a Water Assurance Technical Lead, stresses that effective water practices are essential. “In dry areas like the UAE, water is the backbone of sustainability and healthy ecosystems.”
Framework for Action
The paper explores how integrating frameworks like the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard can enhance ISO 14001 systems. While ISO focuses on a structured management cycle, AWS offers a five-step framework: Gather and Understand; Commit and Plan; Implement; Evaluate; Communicate and Disclose. Together, these frameworks can help organizations tackle water issues collaboratively.
Using related ISO standards can further boost these strategies. For instance, ISO 14046 focuses on water footprints, while ISO 46001 addresses water efficiency. By combining these standards, organizations can develop more robust water management plans.
Benefits of Water Stewardship
The integration of water stewardship brings several key advantages:
- Better identification of risks related to water scarcity and pollution.
- Increased data quality, which leads to informed decisions.
- Enhanced collaboration among stakeholders in local catchments.
- Sustainable usage of water across all levels—sites, supply chains, and communities.
- Long-term value for businesses, alongside healthier ecosystems.
The pressing reality is that effective water stewardship is not just a compliance checkbox; it’s pivotal for sustainable development and resilience. As challenges surrounding water continue to grow, so does the need for a well-rounded approach to stewardship.
To read the full paper, visit this link.
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