ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies good practices in water management and protection for corporations regardless of their sector, size, ownership, and structure. The good practices will be identified through existing global frameworks that may be used to promote good practices in water management and protection. They will help companies manage water-related business risks, understand and mitigate their adverse impacts on ecosystems and communities, and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on access to water for all. All governments have a duty to provide their people with access to fresh water and to manage their surface and underground water resources in a sustainable manner. Moreover, non-state actors, including companies, as major stakeholders, have a key role to play in achieving sustainability in freshwater supply. It is increasingly recognized that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can have a significant impact on the sustainability of freshwater supply in many countries. With respect to water, CSR entails not only corporate due diligence to prevent activities with an adverse impact on the human right to water and sanitation but also collaborations with local communities to use water in a more efficient and effective way, to support the public sector in their water management programs, to improve water waste management, etc. By implementing their CSR activities, businesses can contribute to making the water sector more sustainable.
