Achieving the SDGs through private sector commitment in water
My home country, Sweden, was ranked number 1 in the 2017 SDG index Sweden, with a score of 85.6 out 100, suggesting we are on average 85.6% percent of the way to the best possible outcomes across the 17 SDGs. Does this mean we are a sustainable country? No, far from it. When it comes to climate
change, biodiversity and air pollution, Sweden has a significant impact, mainly thorough unsustainable consumption and production. Changing the way companies do business and addressing unsustainable lifestyles, is one of my countries’ biggest challenges. For three years I have been working with the private sector, trying to address this footprint by implementing more sustainable production practices, and helping consumers making more sustainable choices. Much work is already being done when it comes to
climate change among Swedish companies but an issue that has long been ignored is water. But things are starting to change. We are seeing more and more companies recognizing the value of water, understanding that not managing it sustainably, will pose a risk to their business.
As the biggest water consumer globally, the food and agriculture sector has a key role to play in ensuring future access to clean water, for business, communities and ecosystems. Much of the water impact of Swedish companies is embedded in the supply chain, where the possibility to influence is limited. The complex structure of food supply chains makes traceability and checking performance beyond the first tier suppliers difficult. The fact that water availability varies tremendously across river basins and aquifers, adds to the challenges since it requires good insights about local conditions and needs. I’ve had the privilege of helping food and beverage companies understand their impact on water and identify ways to implement more sustainable water management practices across their supply chain. A network was created, allowing companies to share experiences and to access to new tools and research to advance their work on water. Together, we developed a water guide supporting companies in their water management and a joint project is being implemented this year, looking at ways to improve agricultural water management among suppliers in water scarce areas.
Although the focus is on water, all activities are implemented through a holistic approach where benefits on other areas constantly are being explored. For example, protecting natural vegetation can help retain water and creating habitats for animals and plants. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will help to reduce climate induced impacts such as droughts and floods. Saving water may also benefit local communities by making more available for household use and other economic activities. This way, working with water can also contribute with positive effects on other SDGs.
I have witnessed that great things can be achieved through networks that enable actors to pool resources, learn from each other and drive common agendas. Water deserves a place in the spotlight, because of its critical for socio-economic development, healthy ecosystems and human survival. We rely on water to grow our food, produce our goods, and generate our energy. Business has a leading role to play in the management of natural resources, especially in the use of freshwater resources. By advancing corporate water management, I believe we can make great progress towards to SDGs.
