The Courtauld Commitment on water (https://wrap.org.uk/taking-action/food-drink/initiatives/courtauld-commitment), established a target by 2030 of 50% of the UK fresh food being sourced from areas with sustainable water management. Fresh-Thoughts Consulting GmbH will design an action plan for the UK food and drink sector businesses to take collective action on water risks in Spain, and achieve the set target. Despite the Water Framework Directive being already in place for 20 years, key sourcing areas of the UK food and drink sector business overlap with areas where water management is not sustainable, and where the agricultural supply chain is significant pressure on freshwater ecosystems. This initiative offers an outstanding opportunity for collaborative action for reducing water risk for business at the same time as reducing pressures on unique ecosystems in Southern Europe.
Fresh-Thoughts assessed the status of freshwater bodies and the pressures on them and their root causes. FT drafted an action plan and identified stakeholders to be engaged in its implementation. The plan itself followed the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard guidance and particularly build on lessons learned from previous projects and seek synergies with ongoing initiatives.