What's Happening?
The Pakistan Business Council (PBC), in collaboration with the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), has organized a roundtable conference to address the urgent need for adopting global water stewardship standards. This initiative comes in response to the unprecedented monsoon floods that have severely impacted Pakistan. Experts at the conference emphasized the importance of investing in sustainable water infrastructure and technologies. They advocated for industries and regulators to align with global frameworks such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), which promotes responsible freshwater management worldwide. SECMC's General Manager of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE), Imran Aslam, highlighted the necessity of data-driven planning and proactive risk management to institutionalize water stewardship. He also called for investments in advanced infrastructure like sewerage treatment plants and water reuse systems, citing SECMC's AWS Gold certification as a model for nationwide replication.
Why It's Important?
The call for investment in water technologies is crucial for Pakistan, a country facing severe water management challenges exacerbated by climate change and recent flooding. By adopting global water stewardship standards, Pakistan can improve its water management practices, ensuring sustainable use of freshwater resources. This move is expected to benefit industries by promoting transparency and accountability, potentially leading to long-term economic and environmental gains. The initiative also aims to enhance regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement, which are vital for effective water management. As Pakistan grapples with the impacts of climate change, such investments could mitigate future risks and contribute to the country's resilience against environmental disasters.
What's Next?
Following the conference, stakeholders are expected to explore the implementation of the proposed water stewardship standards and technologies. Corporations may begin investing in infrastructure improvements, such as sewerage treatment plants and water reuse systems, to align with the AWS framework. The government and private sector might also engage in further discussions to ensure transparency and regular disclosure of water performance metrics. These steps could pave the way for broader adoption of sustainable water management practices across Pakistan, potentially influencing policy changes and encouraging more industries to follow suit.
