This document’s guidance is centered on five fundamental principles, or values, that underpin responsible engagement with water policy and management. While all the principles are broadly relevant to responsible policy engagement, the relevance of particular principles depends on the nature and scope of specific engagement activities.
Responsible corporate engagement in water policy must be motivated by a genuine interest in furthering efficient, equitable, and ecologically sustainable water management.
Responsible corporate engagement in water policy entails ensuring that activities do not infringe upon, but rather support, the government’s mandate and responsibilities to develop and implement water policy. Acting consistently with this principle includes business commitment to work within a well-regulated (and enforced) environment.
Responsible engagement in water policy promotes inclusiveness and meaningful partnerships across a wide range of interests.
Responsible engagement in water policy proceeds in a coherent manner that recognizes the interconnectedness among water and many other policy arenas. It is a proactive, rather than reactive, approach and is cognizant of, and sensitive to, the environmental, social, cultural, and political contexts within which it takes place.
Companies engaged in responsible water policy are fully transparent and accountable for their role in a way that ensures alignment with sustainable water management and promotes trust among stakeholders.