AWS is a global membership collaboration network that includes businesses, non-governmental organization (NGOs) and the public sector. AWS works by engaging water-using sites in understanding and addressing shared catchment water challenges, as well as site water risks and opportunities. It works at water-using sites to address these challenges in a way that progressively moves them to best practices.

AWS’s four priority business sectors are: (i) Agricultural Supply Chain, (ii) Food and Beverage Manufacturing, (iii) ICT and Microelectronic, and (iv) Textiles and Apparel; all of them have significant influence in driving a shift from site to catchment-based action, and in using leadership to support a diverse set of corporate and public policy goals.

AWS promotes a framework applicable globally for major water users to understand water use and its impacts, and to work collaboratively and transparently for sustainable water management within a catchment context. The AWS Standard is intended to drive social, environmental, and economic benefits at the catchment site as well as at the site where the water is used. This standard can be tailored to different users across different sectors. For example, it can provide support to supply chains of global fresh food retailers, guide agricultural production in several sites in Europe and Latin-American (Spain, Peru, and other countries), and tackle pollution in Ethiopia.

The AWS Standard consists of five steps. Each step has a series of criteria and indicators. 

AWS 5 steps system. Source: AWS website

The steps and criteria will lead to improved performance in five crucial areas:

1. Improved water governance
2. Sustainable water balance
3. Good water quality
4. Healthy status of important water-related area
5. Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)

The AWS standard serves agricultural, food, and beverage companies, development financiers, and services to build resilience in global food systems. AWS also works with the textile industry, international corporations, governments, and NGOs to support them achieve and verify progress towards common water goals.

It is possible for all listed sectors and actors to apply the AWS standard because it can be tailored to the size and possibilities of each one. This unique characteristic allows all users to experience direct support in understanding their water management, not just within their own operations, but as part of the wider catchment.

Bringing together organizations to collaborate on water stewardship is one of AWS objectives, and it provides free and downloadable materials on its website. Additionally, AWS organizes an internationally recognized forum (this year’s will take place mid-May in Edinburgh, Scotland) and takes part in international forums, such as the UN 2023 Water Conference.

AWS’s work includes methodologies and tools to strengthen, promote, and recognize local actors, communities, and allies at each stage of the water cycle. The AWS approach provides support in reviewing and improving internal policies and programs that help manage water in a sustainable way. AWS methodology is “working together” and it gives all members the opportunity to work with allies to better accomplish their productive goals, while also practicing water stewardship.

For AWS working on water security is not about water itself, it is about the people –– we the people.

Mónica Ribadeneira Sarmiento in Palcazu River, Peru