The formulation of the recommendations is the result of nearly a year of professional work, including the Action 2020 Expert Forum, BCSDH Action 2020 Water Working Group Meetings, CEO Roundtables, BCSDH Board Meetings, and numerous professional discussions with experts in the field.

THE BCSDH RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BUSINESS SECTOR REGARDING WATER MANAGEMENT:

1. Elaborate CLIMATE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES, in which WATER IS CONSIDERED A VALUABLE RESOURCE and a risk factor of significant relevance.

2. Implement CIRCULAR WATER MANAGEMENT practices to reduce the water footprint.

3. Create PARTNERSHIPS in the value chain and operational environment to increase WATER EFFICIENCY and WATER RENEWAL.

The economic value of water is reflected in its widespread use, since in addition to direct consumption by humans, both industry and agriculture need supplies of water of an appropriate volume and quality. Water is a renewable natural resource, although its distribution is uneven for several reasons – including geographical features, human consumption and its impacts – and also because of the consequences of climate change. In the future we should expect a significant increase in demand, not only because industry and households will require more water, but also for the generation of electricity. This rise in demand must be brought into line with the natural limits of our planet. This presents an economic, environmental and social risk, both globally and for individual countries, and the risk extends to the business sector. These risks are aggravated by additional problems that are already being witnessed. Drought-prone areas are expanding globally, and more and more countries are experiencing problems with providing a potable water of adequate quality. Although Hungary’s situation is favourable in terms of its water supply, it is important for our country to maintain these favourable conditions in the long run; a goal to which the business sector is able to contribute.