Five major entities including MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. and Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd. formed a coalition with Kurita Water Industries Ltd. Suntory Holdings Limited and Coca-Cola (Japan) Company, Limited to become members of Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). The coalition works to establish credible water stewardship principles for Japan to solve pressing water issues in the country.
The Japan Water Stewardship Leadership Group serves as the implementing entity under AWS to develop sound water management approaches for businesses. The group supports AWS’s worldwide goal of advocating environmentally sustainable yet socially and culturally equitable and economically advantageous water stewardship.
Addressing Japan’s Water Challenges
The rising water problems in Japan involve deteriorating water systems and increased water expenses as well as insufficient forest upkeep because of forestry staffing shortages. Agricultural imports endure global climate changes because both droughts and heavy rainfall patterns reduce crop yields to make raw material costs increase. Corporate collaboration stands as an essential element to deal with water risks and create sustainable water solutions because of the existing challenges.
AWS implements water stewardship by creating site-based and catchment-based programs where all stakeholders actively participate. Business organizations achieve better water security through their collective efforts which support worldwide sustainable targets.
Collaborative Actions for Sustainable Water Management
Through the Japan Water Stewardship Leadership Group the AWS Secretariat collaborates with the organization to advance responsible water stewardship practices. Key initiatives include:
- The organization will create unique AWS training and capacity development initiatives for Japanese businesses.
- The group facilitates network connections for businesses to work together for improved local basin water conservation.
- The organization will enhance its alliances with governmental departments to build policies which support implementation efforts.
The sustainability standard AWS received its foundation from three prominent environmental organizations:
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) along with others. AWS functions as a vital sustainability network throughout the globe because it unites more than 200 members operating across 300 certified sites worldwide. The Japanese AWS membership includes four companies while four sites obtained AWS certification. AWS targets an expansion of its Japan operation through strategic growth plans for the year 2025.
Leadership Perspectives
According to Adrian Sym the Chief Executive of AWS Japan needs companies that possess deep water stewardship expertise. The increasing water risks globally and in national territories require urgent cooperation among all stakeholders. AWS creates the Japan Water Stewardship Leadership Group as a platform to unite strategic stakeholders for rapid development of sustainable solutions. This development demonstrates an excellent opportunity to build a water-secure future which benefits everyone.
The group ensures active collaboration between businesses governmental entities and civil society organizations which intend to enhance water stewardship practices. To join the participant group AWS requires that members enroll as AWS members. For further information, visit https://a4ws.org/Japan/.
Corporate Commitment to Water Stewardship
Every participating company through their programs has established major commitments to sustainable water management.
- As a part of their mission MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings dedicates resources to conduct river basin flood control and disaster prevention programs across Japan.
- Kurita Water Industries Ltd. carries out worldwide water conservation ventures through active AWS certification programs.
- The Suntory Holdings Limited network includes three Platinum-certified facilities while it partners with WWF Japan to support water stewardship efforts.
- A total of 19 facilities operated by Coca-Cola (Japan) Company, Limited have received AWS certification nationwide while the company continues its mission to enhance water efficiency throughout Japan.
- Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. helps clients with their water resource management and delivers consulting to obtain AWS certification.
These companies unite to create substantial water improvements throughout Japan’s water sector. Through their unified actions these organizations will help develop water resources which are sustainable and resilient throughout the region.
