By 2030, we will implement our due diligence obligation regarding the protection of water-based ecosystems.
Carry out a due diligence check along the value chain: To what extent does your business model significantly impact water-based ecosystems? This could be at your sites, in the upstream supply chain or in downstream products and services. Typical impacts include water pollution due to inadequate waste disposal and industrial wastewater, local water scarcity due to large-scale water abstraction for production processes, and habitat loss due to land-use changes associated with business activities.
Take action to address the greatest impact. These include:
Ecosystem-conscious water management: Put in place water management plans aimed at protecting water-based ecosystems. This may include setting water abstraction quotas and monitoring water quality to maintain the ecological status of rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Renaturalisation and restoration: Take active steps to renaturalise and restore damaged water-based ecosystems. This includes removing pollutants, restoring natural riparian areas and reforesting water catchment areas.
Education and awareness-raising: Create educational initiatives and campaigns to make staff aware of the importance of protecting water-based ecosystems. This can be achieved through training, workshops, information campaigns and the getting communities involved in the protection and sustainable use of water bodies.
Set impact-orientated goals right from the start of the project. What do you want to achieve with your strategy? What social and ecological value will you add? Make your goals transparent, define key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on your progress.
From 2025, it is predicted that two thirds of people will live in areas with water shortages. Progressive global warming will further worsen the problem. It is therefore essential to take measures to reduce water consumption. The water level in rivers and lakes, as well as the groundwater level, is falling, causing soils to become saline, water temperatures are rising to record levels, and the pollution of water bodies with contaminants is increasing worldwide.
