WWF urges UK businesses to assess their supply chain

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in the UK has urged industries in the country to evaluate their supply chains, both within the nation and internationally, as a report found 40% of the imports come from countries with areas of high water risk.

The report also suggested that the businesses should assess their supply chain to know whether they are at risk of water scarcity, poor water quality or reputational damage associated with their use of water.

Several industries face water challenges which textiles to beverages, food to pharmaceuticals, however textiles is highly exposed to the challenge than other industries.

China, the US and Spain are the most significant countries for the UK (in terms of import value) with hot spots of higher water risk.

About 80% of all UK value-based imports are exposed to at least a moderate level of water risk.

More than 66% of virtual water consumption in the UK is dependent on other countries, the organisation said.

The businesses have also been asked to find solutions to the challenges and improve management of their water resources including rivers, lakes and aquifers, on which they and the country residents are dependent.

WWF-UK’s Water Stewardship manager Lucy Lee said: "Businesses must wake up to their exposure to water related risks, and also realise the potential benefits of assessing and responding to them.

"UK plc has an important role to play in safeguarding the rivers, lakes and aquifers which are under such serious threat and which provide water for people, nature and business."

WWF has published a report this month which outlines the steps to be taken by businesses in order to address their water risks and has enlisted ten ‘golden rules’ to be followed.

According to the report, businesses can map their supply chains with the help of WWF’s Water Risk Filter to find about their exposure to water risk.

They have also been urged to co-ordinate with their catchment neighbours, NGOs, and others related to their supply chain in order to bring down the risks.

Water management has been recognised as one of the main challenges faced in the 21st century.

The 2015 Global Risk Report by the World Economic Forum indicates water crisis to be the foremost risk for the global economy.