Water as a strategic axis for business sustainability
In a context of increasing pressure on water resources, Aquafondo held the 1st Specialized Workshop 2026: Water Resilience & Climate Adaptation – Water Risk Management and Business Value Creation, aimed at member companies of the Water Responsible Companies Network (EHR).
The workshop provided a space to reflect on the role of water in business sustainability and highlighted the need to integrate it as a strategic element for operational continuity and competitiveness.
Water management in a context of increasing risk
Peru faces significant challenges associated with climate change, including prolonged droughts, glacier retreat, and extreme events that affect water availability and quality. This scenario creates direct risks for businesses at the operational, regulatory, and reputational levels.
In this context, the workshop raised a key question for the business sector:
How prepared is your company to face a significant reduction in access to water?
Toward strategic and preventive water management
During the workshop, international consultant Marta Santafé highlighted the importance of evolving from reactive management toward a water resilience approach, in which water is integrated across corporate strategy.
This approach makes it possible to anticipate and comprehensively manage the main water-related risks:
- Physical risks, associated with water availability and quality.
- Regulatory risks, linked to changes in regulations.
- Reputational risks, related to the social environment.
She also emphasized that these risks have a direct impact on financial performance, which is why their management must be integrated into business planning and decision-making.
From measurement to action: keys to water resilience
The workshop highlighted the importance of moving toward a structured approach to water management based on three pillars:
- Assess: measure the water footprint and understand watershed-related risks.
- Mitigate: implement efficiency measures and Nature-Based Solutions.
- Collaborate: work in coordination with other stakeholders across the territory.
This approach makes it possible not only to reduce risks, but also to create opportunities for innovation and operational efficiency.
Business experiences that generate impact
As part of the workshop, experiences from member companies of the network that are already implementing concrete water management actions were shared.
The case of PepsiCo, represented by engineers Alejandro Chávarry and Liz Tong, demonstrated how water resilience translates into tangible results:
- Replenishment of 213 million liters of water through Nature-Based Solutions
- Savings of 1 million m³ of water through technified agricultural practices
These initiatives not only contribute to the sustainability of the resource, but also strengthen relationships with communities, optimize processes, and support business continuity.
Investing in water means investing in sustainability and competitiveness
One of the workshop’s main messages was that water management should be understood as a strategic investment.
Integrating water resilience into operations enables companies to:
- Anticipate risks and reduce vulnerabilities
- Improve efficiency and operational performance
- Strengthen their reputation and social license to operate
- Generate long-term value
In a context of climate uncertainty, moving toward proactive water management is essential to ensuring business sustainability.
The importance of collaborative work
The workshop reaffirmed that water challenges require collective responses. Coordination among companies, communities, and other stakeholders is essential to building sustainable solutions.
In this regard, the Water Responsible Companies Network (EHR) is consolidating itself as a platform that promotes joint action, facilitating the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and best practices among companies.
A commitment that continues
At Aquafondo, we thank all the member companies of the network for their participation: Backus, PepsiCo, Esmeralda Corp, Orygen, Nestlé, Netafim, Rotoplas, AJE, Tecnofil, and GCM Perú.
We also appreciate the valuable contributions of Marta Santafé Martínez and PepsiCo, which helped enrich the dialogue and strengthen this learning space.
We will continue promoting these gatherings as part of our commitment to advancing sustainable water management based on collaboration, innovation, and collective action.
Would you like to be part of the network of companies leading change in water management?
Contact us: ehr@aquafondo.org.pe
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