Strengthening water stewardship: IUCN and NMWE release guidance for protecting biodiversity near water sources

The report, “Biodiversity in Natural Mineral Waters: Measuring the Sector's Contribution to Nature Positive”, provides a sector-specific strategy and indicator framework to support more consistent, catchment-level biodiversity action which builds on and enhances water stewardship engagement. 

The guidance is the result of a two-year collaboration involving workshops and expert consultations with NMWE members and biodiversity specialists. It aims to support national associations, multinational corporations, and smaller producers in tailoring biodiversity strategies to their local context - while aligning with broader global and regional targets, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 

“Natural mineral water producers have an important role to play as stewards of freshwater ecosystems, which is why IUCN partnered with NMWE to co-develop some practical guidance for their members to contribute to nature positive actions through their policies and practices,” - James Dalton, Global Director of IUCN’s Water and Wetlands Team. “The guide is critical to maintain the momentum initiated with this work if we are to catalyse the change needed to safeguard European basins.” 

Healthy ecosystems are essential to the natural mineral water sector, as they regulate water quality, ensure long-term flow reliability and support the viability of freshwater sources. However, these ecosystems are under increasing pressure from pollution, climate change and habitat loss. This makes biodiversity conservation not only a planetary imperative but also a business resilience strategy. 

The new framework supports companies in assessing biodiversity interactions, identifying risks such as water shortages or regulatory changes, and shaping site-specific responses. By promoting partnerships at the watershed level, the guidance encourages companies to collaborate in restoring ecosystems and protecting critical habitats. 

“With this achievement, we are happy to meet a commitment that NMWE took under the Code of Conduct for Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices to support its members on their sustainability transition.” - Patricia Fosselard, Secretary General of NMWE. “In the next step, we will focus on dissemination and partnership building.”  

 

The guidance offers a clear, step-by-step approach to creating a biodiversity strategy - including assessing basin health, setting goals, choosing indicators, and tracking progress. It promotes transparency, helps companies align with legal and voluntary standards, and supports their efforts to contribute to nature-positive outcomes. 

The full report is available here

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A word of appreciation goes to Isabel Wallnöfer, IUCN Water Stewardship Officer and Maria Ana Borges, IUCN Water for Landscapes Manager for coordinating this engagement and developing the recommendations, including the newly launched guidance document. 

For more information please contact:

Maria Ana Borges 

[email protected]