[WWF Information] Seminar for Companies: Implementing Water Stewardship in the Age of 'Water Bankruptcy'
WWF Japan will host a hybrid seminar on May 25, 2026, to discuss corporate water stewardship practices, focusing on the link between water, biodiversity, and climate change in the context of the global 'Water Bankruptcy' crisis and the new AWS Standard 3.0.
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WWF Japan, in collaboration with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), will host a corporate seminar titled "Implementing Water Stewardship in the Age of 'Water Bankruptcy': Addressing the Nexus of Water, Biodiversity, and Climate Change" on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the United Nations University in Shibuya, Tokyo, and online.
This seminar aims to organize and share practical perspectives on how companies should consider their response to increasingly complex water risks, incorporating the latest research findings and corporate case studies.
■ Background: Why 'Water Bankruptcy' Now?
In January 2026, the UNU-INWEH released a report titled "Global Water Bankruptcy: Water Use Beyond Limits in the Post-Crisis Era." It indicated that traditional terms like "water stress" or "water crisis" are no longer sufficient to capture the reality occurring in many regions, and we have entered an era of global "water bankruptcy."
Even in Japan, dry spells have increased recently, with reports of droughts affecting dam storage and crop cultivation. Conversely, heavy rain disasters are becoming more severe and frequent, impacting lives and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to further increase these multifaceted water risks.
■ Water, Biodiversity, and Climate Change are Inseparable
Freshwater biodiversity, which supports healthy water resources and environments, is also in a critical state. In January 2025, IUCN researchers reported that about 24% of the world's 23,000 freshwater species are at risk of extinction, including about 40% of Japan's endemic freshwater fish.
Water-related risks have become direct business risks affecting continuity, procurement, location, and investment. Companies are required to take actions that capture the connection between water crises and related fields like biodiversity and climate change.
■ International Trends: Water Stewardship in the Implementation Phase
Frameworks like the "AWS Standard Version 3.0," released by the Alliance for Water Stewardship in March, are essential for companies to proactively address complex water risks. AWS 3.0 incorporates double materiality—understanding both dependencies and impacts on water—and relates to global disclosure frameworks like TNFD.
International attention on water will remain high. Key upcoming events include the "UN Water Conference" in December and the "World Water Forum" next March. Additionally, the "Global Nature Positive Summit 2026" in Kumamoto this July will discuss water, biodiversity, and climate change under the theme of Nature Positive.
■ Key Points of This Seminar
Based on the current situation, the seminar will focus on:
- The nexus of water, biodiversity, and climate change
- The importance of a "basin" perspective
- The need for collective action against water challenges that a single company cannot solve
We provide practical insights for businesses to understand water risks beyond just "quantity and quality," including biodiversity and social aspects, and what is required to grasp water risks across the entire supply chain.
We look forward to participation from companies in food and beverages, textiles, chemicals, ICT, and any sector involved with water in their supply chain.
This seminar aims to organize and share practical perspectives on how companies should consider their response to increasingly complex water risks, incorporating the latest research findings and corporate case studies.
■ Background: Why 'Water Bankruptcy' Now?
In January 2026, the UNU-INWEH released a report titled "Global Water Bankruptcy: Water Use Beyond Limits in the Post-Crisis Era." It indicated that traditional terms like "water stress" or "water crisis" are no longer sufficient to capture the reality occurring in many regions, and we have entered an era of global "water bankruptcy."
Even in Japan, dry spells have increased recently, with reports of droughts affecting dam storage and crop cultivation. Conversely, heavy rain disasters are becoming more severe and frequent, impacting lives and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to further increase these multifaceted water risks.
■ Water, Biodiversity, and Climate Change are Inseparable
Freshwater biodiversity, which supports healthy water resources and environments, is also in a critical state. In January 2025, IUCN researchers reported that about 24% of the world's 23,000 freshwater species are at risk of extinction, including about 40% of Japan's endemic freshwater fish.
Water-related risks have become direct business risks affecting continuity, procurement, location, and investment. Companies are required to take actions that capture the connection between water crises and related fields like biodiversity and climate change.
■ International Trends: Water Stewardship in the Implementation Phase
Frameworks like the "AWS Standard Version 3.0," released by the Alliance for Water Stewardship in March, are essential for companies to proactively address complex water risks. AWS 3.0 incorporates double materiality—understanding both dependencies and impacts on water—and relates to global disclosure frameworks like TNFD.
International attention on water will remain high. Key upcoming events include the "UN Water Conference" in December and the "World Water Forum" next March. Additionally, the "Global Nature Positive Summit 2026" in Kumamoto this July will discuss water, biodiversity, and climate change under the theme of Nature Positive.
■ Key Points of This Seminar
Based on the current situation, the seminar will focus on:
- The nexus of water, biodiversity, and climate change
- The importance of a "basin" perspective
- The need for collective action against water challenges that a single company cannot solve
We provide practical insights for businesses to understand water risks beyond just "quantity and quality," including biodiversity and social aspects, and what is required to grasp water risks across the entire supply chain.
We look forward to participation from companies in food and beverages, textiles, chemicals, ICT, and any sector involved with water in their supply chain.