Water risk filter - A practical, robust toolkit to help companies and investors address water risk

Article Courtesy : Water Risk Filter

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Water Risk Filter, a collaborative effort of WWF International and DEG, the German development financial institution.

Today, companies of all sizes, in all sectors and in all parts of the world are realizing how crucial water is to their long-term profitability. Water-related risk can be broken into three broad, inter-related categories:

• Physical – too little, too much or polluted water
• Regulatory – water pricing, water rights, predictability 
• Reputational – public awareness of corporate water usage and pollution can affect brand perception

Now there’s a simple, free tool to help you understand water risk and do something about it.

The Water Risk Filter offers a practical, robust toolkit to help companies and investors address risk. This toolkit offers concrete, sector- and region-specific solutions, and is available regardless of whether you enter your own data.

The Water Risk Filter is global: it draws on data sheets for all countries, and provides interactive maps and case studies from around the world. It is also incredibly easy to use. Geared specifically for non-experts, it guides users through a pre-assessment survey that uses industry and geographic information to determine in less than five minutes if additional evaluation is recommended.

Our message is simple: Why live with risk? Anticipating trends in water and being proactive on water issues makes a company a lower risk and better investment. Find answers to frequently asked questions in the online knowledge base here - http://www.waterriskfilter.panda.org/KnowledgeBase.aspx

Why WWF and DEG?

In order to secure water for people and nature, WWF works closely with governments and the private sector. We believe that companies, like all water users, can play a vital role in supporting and implementing strategies to manage water resources sustainably. DEG is a development financial institution concerned with climate change-related risks and responses. As a result of its detailed work in this area, DEG established water as a critical issue for its client companies. By highlighting risk, we are helping companies prepare for the future, lower risk and become advocates with us for better management of a shared resource.

Please share this widely with your contacts and members – the Water Risk Filter is absolutely free to use, and all feedback for its improvement is welcome. waterriskfilter@wwfint.org / www.waterriskfilter.panda.org

Stuart Orr, WWF International Freshwater Manager
Jochem Verberne, WWF International Corporate Relations Manager
Ute Sudmann, DEG Senior Investment Manager, Special Programs
Jens Hoenerhoff, DEG Senior Environmental and Social Specialist

DEG finances investments of private companies in developing and transition countries. As one of Europe’s largest development finance institutions, it promotes private business structures to contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved living conditions