Top 10 Emerging Challenges for 2010: Issue 9

Building consensus on corporate use and management of water

The range of human rights implications linked to access to water, particularly in areas of water scarcity as well as in contexts of pollution of aquifers or rivers by business activity, remain largely unexplored. Many business sectors rely on access to water and a growing number are involved in water management in countries around the world. How should consensus on issues relating to the role of the private sector concerning water be shaped and how might rights-based approaches support such efforts?

Water is a precious resource, nature’s bounty, and in theory accessible to all. Yet there are regions which do not have adequate water, and even when there is sufficient water available, some individuals and communities are denied access.

In an effort to operate in ways that are responsible, some businesses have been involved in developing noteworthy initiatives. For example, the World Water Forum brings officials, NGOs, and businesses together to address a wide range of water-related issues.

CEOs of leading companies have also come together in the CEO Water Mandate through which they commit to use water responsibly, report on usage, and operate in a transparent manner.

The CEO Water Mandate and a growing range of other stakeholders and initiatives acknowledge that water stress is expected to worsen in many parts of the world over the coming years due to a range of natural and inevitable factors. There is growing awareness that business operations can have direct impacts on water management, and that business leaders can influence positive change through their own behaviour and by requiring similar steps to be taken by their suppliers.

But significant challenges remain. How should companies operationalize the principle of 'do no harm' – and due diligence standards – in the context of access to water? What is the nature of the conflict between the generally-accepted meaning of “minimum” or “adequate” provision of water for personal use, and the setting of this as a standard? What, if anything, should businesses be reporting in terms of water and human rights? Should companies disclose the amount of water they need, besides the amount they use or purify or recycle?

During 2010, the Institute for Human Rights and Business will take forward its path-breaking work [21 pages, 919kb] to engage a range of stakeholders on challenges, dilemmas and opportunities involving the private sector and human rights relating to water.