Growing out of a highly collaborative partnership between the United Nations Global Compact, the Government of Sweden and companies, the CEO Water Mandate reinforces the need for collaboration between all sectors when tackling issues of water scarcity and sanitation.
The group identified six key areas to be addressed in order to develop a comprehensive approach to water management. These are: direct operations; supply chain and watershed management; collective action; public policy; community engagement; and transparency.
The Mandate provides a useful framework for organisations to more effectively manage this vital resource now, but also how to work together to avoid water scarcity in the future.
Direct operations
Organisations are encouraged to conduct a water audit of their own operations, set targets for improvement and invest in new technologies to achieve these goals. Also important is raising awareness of water issues within the organisation and integrating them into decision-making processes.
Supply Chain and Watershed Management
This approach should be extended throughout the supply chain to encourage suppliers to also undertake and report on a similar framework for water management. It calls for organisations within the supply chain to work together to share information and build capacity to improve water efficiency.
In particular the mandate calls out suppliers from the agricultural sector who account for 70% of all fresh water use.
Collective Action
This component extends to multi-sector collaboration. Again the focus is on the implementation of new technology and the sharing of information. It encourages closer ties with civil society organisations and involvement in the UN Global Compact’s Country Networks as well support for existing water initiatives.
Public Policy
Organisations are challenged to take a leadership position advocating for water sustainability. This includes providing input and recommendations on government regulation and the creation of market mechanisms and supporting policy-orientated bodies and specialised institutions.
Community Engagement
Acknowledging that businesses operate within a broader social context, the Mandate encourages companies to understand the water and sanitation challenges in the areas in which they operate. By becoming active members of the local community companies can work with local stakeholders to raise awareness and provide education. Where appropriate they should also work with public authorities to support the development of adequate water infrastructure.
Transparency
Finally businesses are encouraged to report their activities and engage in a transparent way. This includes appropriate references to the Global Reporting Index (GRI) and when communicating progress for the UN Global Compact. By doing so companies facilitate greater information sharing and understanding of effective water strategies.
How to act
The CEO Mandate is open to companies of all sizes and from all sectors and geographies. It requires endorsement from CEO level. Current participants include The Coca-Cola Company, Levi Strauss, Nestle, SABMiller, Diageo, Läckeby Water Group and Nestlé.
Full details of the Mandate, including how to participate, can be found at: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/Issues/Environment/CEO_Water_Mandate/
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