NMWE and IUCN share insights from implementation & monitoring project
On October 11th we organised a panel to share insights from our engagement with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) toward preserving and improving biodiversity in the natural mineral water sector. The event, held within the framework of the European Business & Nature Summit (EBNS) 2023 in Milan, gathered key experts to showcase how different industries can take a sector-wide approach to improving biodiversity.
Joining forces for greater impact
Our members are committed to preserving and improving biodiversity in the area in which they operate.
Since early 2023, NMWE and IUCN have been engaged on an initiative to develop an implementation and monitoring framework for the sector. The event featured presentation and discussion on the project and its first outcomes, examples of good practices, learnings, challenges and next steps.
“The key point to enable companies to take up this biodiversity framework is to look at their actions and highlight what the sector collectively is doing, but also to inspire other sectors to take up similar strategies,” said Isabel Wallnöffer, Youth & Water Stewardship Officer at IUCN.
Our industry experts and IUCN have developed a practical approach for monitoring biodiversity and implementing water stewardship. They have measured our sector’s impact on biodiversity, reviewed relevant policies and practices, and identified targeted interventions that are biodiversity-, water- and carbon-friendly.
“Each of the countries has its own local needs, which need to be assessed. As there is a big variety of actions that might be taken, it will be really helpful to have at least a framework on how to continue,” said Klárá Hálová, Head of Water Category & Education Programme at Mattoni 1873.
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Shaping the future of sustainable business
The panel contributed to the larger discussion on crafting sustainable business models working with biodiversity at their core during the EU-organised summit, the largest European conference dedicated this topic. This year’s edition of EBNS put a special emphasis on empowering businesses to take decisive transformative action ahead of COP16.
“Businesses really need to ask themselves: what are we doing to contribute to a nature-positive economy by 2030, and how are we embedding the value of nature in our decision-making?” commented Zoe Greindl, Business Action Advisor at Business for Nature during the NMWE panel.
The initiative with IUCN delivers on one of our voluntary commitments from the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices.
“We’re probably the only sector and the only industry worldwide that does not actually produce our product. We’re only cooperating with nature. And so it should be our direct responsibility to help protect and enhance the nature of the product,” Achim Drewes, Sustainability & Stakeholder Relations at Nestlé Waters concluded.
Read more about NMWE biodiversity efforts