The extent to which companies embrace the concepts and principles outlined in this Guide ranges widely. Similarly, translating these concepts into practical action, while adhering to the principles of responsible engagement, is a significant challenge for many companies.
This section outlines a number of “dos” and “don’ts” to help companies align action with the principles of responsible engagement and offers practical guidance companies can follow when engaging with water policy. Collectively, these measures constitute an operational framework consistent with a continual improvement-oriented, plan-do- check-act management system.
An overview of the operational framework is as follows:
Assess the context
- Understand the water resource and policy contexts
- Understand the political economy and risks of engagement
- Assess stakeholders to understand their concerns
Explore engagement opportunities and prepare for action
- Align engagement opportunities with appropriate scale
- Establish and articulate engagement goals and strategy
- Ensure the internal house is in order
- Avoid policy and regulatory capture
Pursue core engagement strategies
- Engage the local community
- Seek strategic partnerships
- Support water policy implementation
- Share information to improve management
- Advocate for efficient, equitable, and ecologically sustainable water policies and practices
- Raise awareness, advance global standards, and support research
Be accountable and transparent
- Implement review and response mechanisms
- Disclose outcomes of policy engagement actions