Water Management

Business and industry, as users of water resources and services, as providers of water related technology, equipment and services and as a driving force for economic development, have considerable skills and resources to bring to the table. We look to governments to provide the necessary enabling frameworks, as business can only operate effectively in a strong and stable legal, regulatory and economic context. We stress the priority need of the poorest populations to have access to potable water, sanitation and other water services.  Conditions and mechanisms should be put in place and strengthened that will encourage the development and implementation of low cost debt financing for water and sanitation projects that will attract funds nationally and internationally. Bearing in mind that agriculture is the greatest user of water resources, mechanisms should be put in place to provide access to appropriate management strategies and technologies to increase water use efficiency. The implementation of human settlements policies has to be coordinated with policies in the field. Business is prepared to work with others to improve community water and sanitation facilities. Where stable conditions exist, business will continue to innovate to create adaptable, affordable and effective solutions, working with employees, communities, customers and other stakeholders.

ICC partnered with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in December 2004 to set up the Business Action for Water (BAW), an ad-hoc, temporary business initiative bringing together a comprehensive network of businesses, large and small, drawn from many sectors and regions around the world. BAW was established to provide business input into the 13th session (11-22 April 2005) of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), which focused on water, sanitation and human settlements, and to other important forums in that timeframe.

CSD-16 (scheduled to be held between 5-16 May 2008) will review the implementation of CSD-13 decisions on Water and Sanitation.