Dole plc is proud to have supported the The Future Water Agenda Report, conducted by WWF and GlobeScan, launched on World Water Day March 22nd. The report uncovers insights from a global consultation of over 350 expert stakeholders, a survey of more than 30,000 individuals across 30 countries, and engagement with 20 leading global companies—including Dole— that have supported this initiative.
The Shaping the Future Water research program from WWF and GlobeScan was created to help companies strengthen approaches to corporate water stewardship, collective action, and stakeholder engagement.
The evidence of water’s immense importance to business and the economy, climate and nature, and people and communities is clear and mounting.
84% of experts in the report strongly agree that water ecosystems are an essential part of nature-based solutions. At Dole, we support that water needs the same level of urgency and resources as climate and biodiversity.
Key findings from the research include:
- Water pollution ranks first globally as the most serious environmental issue
- Six in ten people feel personally affected by both water pollution and shortages
- More than two-thirds of people believe governments and companies are most responsible for conserving and protecting water
- Experts view cross-sector action in river basins as key to effective water stewardship Companies need to commit to impact in value chains and river basins to improve performance on water stewardship.
- There is strong, growing interest and a public appetite for action on water, with an emphasis on water quality. Companies face substantial, growing water issues and risks.
- Water stewardship needs more integrated, effective approaches to climate and nature, embracing nature-based solutions.
- Collective action involving government and public-private partnerships is seen by experts as critical to impact and scale.
The report builds on insights and learnings from two prior shared research initiatives in GlobeScan’s “Nature Agenda” series and builds on WWF’s long history of work on water stewardship.
Access the full report and discover how everyone can meaningfully address the scope of shared water challenges globally and locally: https://bit.ly/4ikMuDb
For more information, please contact:
William Goldfield | Director, Corporate Communications
Dole Food Company
The Future Water Agenda (report cover)