Strengthening Water Stewardship: Training on AWS Principles to Secure Zambia’s Water Future
“Water is the driving force of all nature” – Leonardo da Vinci
Water is a vital resource that underpins economic growth, human health, and environmental sustainability. Yet, alarming estimates from the World Bank warn that by 2030, global water demand will exceed supply by 40% if current practices persist. This stark reality is even more pronounced in Zambia, where a severe drought has profoundly impacted the nation’s economy, society, and environment.
Recognising the urgency of sustainable water management, GIZ NatuReS and the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) re-invigorated the conversation on water stewardship through an Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Foundation Class on March 13, 2025. The training introduced key stewardship principles and the AWS Standard, empowering diverse water users, regulators, and city planners to implement sustainable water practices.
Understanding the AWS Standard
The AWS Standard is a globally applicable framework for major water users to understand their water use and impacts, and to work collaboratively and transparently for sustainable water management within a catchment context. The AWS Standard promotes responsible water use that is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial.It achieves this by engaging water-using sites in understanding and addressing shared catchment water challenges as well as water risks and opportunities.
Private Sector Action for Water Stewardship
Participants of the foundation class gained a comprehensive understanding of the AWS framework and its application across various industries, equipping them with the tools they need to drive effective water stewardship.
A highlight of the class was a presentation from British American Tobacco (BAT), the first AWS-certified site in Zambia. BAT shared valuable insights into their certification journey, offering a practice example of how businesses can integrate sustainable water management into their operations. A key take-away was the need for good institutional buy-in at all levels from management to the technical level to successfully implement stewardship initiatives.
To bring theory to life, participants visited Zambian Breweries the following day for a firsthand look at water efficiency and circularity strategies. The visit showcased innovative approaches to water resource management and sparked further discussions on how private sector collaboration can drive collective action for water stewardship.
A Call for Businesses to Move Beyond Compliance
One of the key discussions during the event centered around the potential of the AWS Standard to encourage businesses to move beyond mere compliance with regulations. Regulators often struggle with enforcement, but implementing stewardship principles can serve as a powerful tool to compel businesses to adopt sustainable water practices – a win-win for business and the regulator. By developing stewardship action plans, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their water usage and take meaningful steps to safeguard this critical resource.
Shifting towards stewardship requires a significant mindset change, but the benefits are undeniable. Beyond enhancing corporate reputation, businesses that embrace stewardship become more resilient to water-related risks and strengthen their relationships with government bodies and local communities. Proactively engaging in water stewardship can also help prevent conflicts over water access, ensuring a more stable and cooperative business environment.
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
The AWS Foundation Class was a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, equipping participants with the principles, tools, and inspiration to champion water stewardship in their respective sectors. As Zambia grapples with the challenges of water scarcity, initiatives like this provide hope for a future where businesses, government and communities work together to safeguard water for generations to come.
The call to action is clear: water stewardship is not just an environmental responsibility but a strategic imperative. By fostering sustainable practices today, we can build a more resilient, water-secure tomorrow.