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Day: March 8, 2021

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International Women’s Day: Nazia’s Story

“One of the most pressing issues that Pakistan faces at this moment is the water crisis.”

Nazia Mugha, Manager of Sustainability and Water Management, Soorty Enterprises Pvt Limited

Nazia Mughal is the Manager of Sustainability and Water Management within the Garment Division at Soorty Enterprises Pvt Limited, based in Karachi, Pakistan. Here, Nazia shares her experience of working in water stewardship on International Women’s Day, 2021.

How would you describe your role?

I’ve been working in Soorty Enterprises Pvt Limited for the past six years as the Manager of Sustainability and Water Management. My responsibilities include: factory water management, wastewater treatment plant operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and working on water and wastewater sustainability.

What drew you to working in water?

One of the most pressing issues Pakistan faces at this moment is the water crisis. As business leaders plan for the future, they scan for opportunities and risks created by emerging trends that may impact their company, industry, customers, and the world.

There are now signals, some faint, that water is emerging as an issue of strategic importance to business. Clean drinking water and sanitation for all is one of the biggest global challenges of the 21st century and businesses have an important part to play.

We can lead by example by providing these basic services in our direct operations, but what will really drive transformational change is enabling provision across our extensive supply chains. This is how we can leverage our influence and achieve the scale that is desperately needed.

These are all reasons why I decided to start my professional career in water leadership.

What does a day in your job look like?

My day starts with the reporting of how much water is received from different sources and monitoring the consumption and percentage of water used for production, utilities as well as domestic irrigation, and for kitchen purposes.

I will then follow up on routine work such as maintenance or troubleshooting within the plant. Usually, I’ll have a meeting with Head of Sustainability to update them about the wastewater treatment and recycle operations. Throughout my day there is also a lot of monitoring of water-related costs and checking compliances and sustainability.

I’m also involved in the training and development of employees, including sanitation and hygiene initiatives with the training development department.

What does Water Stewardship mean to you?

Water stewardship is based on the premise that all water users play a role in the sustainable management of water resources, and that a single actor working alone cannot effectively address complex water issues that are often caused by poor water management.

Water stewardship approaches are, therefore, based on collective responses. Businesses increasingly realize the need to take responsibility for their role in promoting sustainable water use and management through collective action initiatives to address water-related risks in their operations and supply chains. Water stewardship is the mechanism through which businesses and other organizations can contribute to water security efforts and Sustainable Development Goal #6: To Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

What achievement are you most proud of when it comes to water?

At Soorty Enterprise Pvt Limited we have been working with AWS since 2019 and both of our sites are AWS Certified.

We achieved the first Gold-level certification in water stewardship in Pakistan. I was proud to lead the whole journey towards AWS Standard Certification.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

International Women’s Day continues to be a powerful platform globally that unifies tenacity and drives action for gender parity, while celebrating the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.

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International Women’s Day: Sandra’s Story

“The most important thing is to really believe in the value and the contribution we can make for the conservation of water resources, and for society in general.”

Sandra Lima, Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Manager, Dole Tropical Products
Image of Sandra Lima

We speak to Sandra Lima, Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Manager at Dole Tropical Products, based in Ecuador, about her role and commitment to water stewardship. 

How would you describe your role?

In my role at Dole Tropical Products, I design and direct the corporate social responsibility strategy, based on a comprehensive sustainability system at the regional level to cultivate and maintain quality relationships with the company’s stakeholders.  

I also look for new opportunities for strategic alliances and support the advancement of social responsibility programs in the operating divisions.  

What drew you to working in water in particular?

I’ve been working at Dole for more than 25 years, as part of our management system. We have environmental practices focused on efficient use of natural resources. I wanted to continue with this commitment and seek to strengthen water management at Dole with a comprehensive and sustainable approach.

What does a day in your job look like?

Each workday represents the opportunity to seek, build and contribute to the sustainable management of Dole Tropical Products and our commitment and leadership in continuing to operate responsibly in all the countries in which we are present.  Partnerships and collaborative work are essential in this process.  

What does Water Stewardship mean to you?

The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard represented an opportunity to have a more comprehensive vision and approach. With AWS you see beyond the site (farm) to understand our shared water challenges with other stakeholders in the catchment, and search for joint solutions.  

What stage would you say you are at in your Water Stewardship journey?

The AWS Standard is a sustainability water management system promoting continual improvement, and working with the stakeholders on the identified water-related challenges in the catchment. 

We are at the early stages of our journey with AWS. We have started our journey by sharing our experience in sustainable water management with the banana industry and we are inviting others to join.  

How have you found working with The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)/ AWS Standard?

Our experience has been as an enriching challenge, since the first stage of searching for external consultants and identifying the importance of the development of local capacities.  

The planning, interpretation, implementation, communication of our progress in the process is all important, but the most important thing is to really believe in the value and contribution that we can make for the conservation of water resources and society in general.  

What achievement are you most proud of when it comes to water?

We are honored to be part of a group that leads a different and challenging proposal.  At Dole Tropical Products, we are really committed to achieve tangible results that generate a positive impact on sustainable water management.  

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day, for me, is a day of commemoration to honor women and men who, in different historical events, have contributed to transform systems, allowing us today and in the future, to have equal rights, greater participation, empowerment and multiple leadership spaces in society. 

IWD 2021 asks: “How will you help forge a gender equal world?” In the context of your work on water stewardship, are there any other female leaders in this space who you think others should know about?

In Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Germany, in our value chain in the banana industry, there are several women who are committed, and actively contributing to, sustainable water management.  

This leadership and management is one of our keys factors to success in this experience with the incorporation of AWS into our system.  

Women in Africa
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International Women’s Day: Laura’s Story

“Water is a shared resource; we all need it to live. It’s at the foundation of everything – our food, our energy, our industries, our lives.”

Laura Kowalski, Sustainability Program Manager, Ecolab
Laura Kowalski

Laura Kowalski, Sustainability Program Manager at Ecolab, based in Illinois, USA, speaks to us about Water Stewardship means to her on International Women’s Day 2021. 

How would you describe your role to someone who may be unfamiliar with your area of work?   

I help enable our manufacturing plants to meet our public goals around water reduction, water stewardship, and carbon reduction.   

What drew you to working in water in particular? 

Water is a shared resource; we all need it to live. It’s at the foundation of everything – our food, our energy, our industries, our lives. It’s exciting to be able to do work in such a meaningful field. I also love that we are always learning more and building. We have to continuously learn to adapt to new situations and we can really see the impact of our work.  

What does Water Stewardship mean to you? 

Water stewardship means managing a shared resource to the fullest, in the most responsible way from an environmental, social, and economic perspective. Being efficient but also respectful of others needs as it relates to water. 

What stage would you say you are at in your Water Stewardship journey?

Ecolab was a founding member of AWS and had the first ever certified plant in Tai Cang, China. We continue to lead and advocate for global water stewardship not only in our manufacturing plants but with our customers, as well.   

How have you found working with The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)/ AWS Standard? 

AWS has allowed us to open up a conversation with our plants to look outside of the four walls of our site into the local community in which we operate.   

What achievement are you most proud of when it comes to water?

In 2018 I gave a TED talk called “Water Scarcity is Sexist”. This talk discussed water scarcity in Africa and how the burden of water and collection of water is placed on women.  

While women are out fetching water, their male counterparts are gaining an education or seeking other life skills that they can be compensated for. They’re learning to become active members in their communities, not just in their households. 

Development of water infrastructure requires the input of the people most affected by water issues in the region – women. Yet women are often pushed out of community planning or political conversations because it isn’t seen as their place. 

Giving women a seat at the table allows economies to develop in ways that will let them function properly! 

Watch Laura’s TED Talk here. 

Shenzhen Donghu Park
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International Women’s Day: Emily’s Story

“True water stewardship requires collaboration and I am so proud of the work we are doing to motivate others to use water responsibly through our Clean Water Program.”

Emily Chen, Program Manager, Apple
Image of Emily Chen

We spoke to Emily Chen to learn more about her role as Program Manager at Apple, an Alliance for Water Stewardship funding member.  Emily is based in Shenzhen, China. 

How would you describe your role?

My role at Apple is to manage the Clean Water Program that is designed to help suppliers establish leading water stewardship initiatives.

As part of this program, we have focused on providing technical assistance and support to our suppliers to help with preserving water. We also work with local governments and communities to provide water education and support clean water supplies in the wider river basin in China to enable us to be a responsible water user at an even broader level. We believe this will create positive environmental impacts across the business community in China.

What drew you to working in water in particular?

When I was a student, I remember seeing some pictures of water pollution and, as a travel enthusiast and an admirer of nature, I started to pay more attention to the field of water.

Before joining Apple, I researched water pollution in paper manufacturing and visited several wastewater treatment plants in large and medium sized companies across sectors. Then I found my dream job and was hired to be a part of Apple’s Clean Water Program. This allowed me to work in-depth with different types of facilities, bringing new technologies and concepts to more companies within Apple’s supply chain. Every day, I am so inspired by our potential to bring about positive environmental outcomes.

What does a day in your job look like?

Early on, I worked with suppliers on technical wastewater-related issues and helping to identify water-saving solutions across their facilities. More recently, I’ve been working with our team to open dialogues with stakeholders across sectors to improve water stewardship in China and to broaden Apple’s influence, sharing lessons learned and best practices.

What does Water Stewardship mean to you?

Water stewardship covers many areas. Because water is a public resource, when improving water in the environment it is necessary to consider the responsibility of each water user, and then link all the related stakeholders together to jointly manage water.

How have you found working with The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)/ AWS Standard?

In studying the AWS Standard, I have learned how to evaluate water risks more comprehensively, and how to establish a more complete mechanism to help factories facing the ever-changing water environment and reduce water use.

What I have learned is, if you want to solve water problems, don’t work alone. Find like-minded people and always collaborate with stakeholders to find the common interest. Be responsible and have an open mind.

What achievement are you most proud of when it comes to water?

My main sense of accomplishment comes from the progress we have made with our suppliers in China. It takes time to see all of the positive impacts but it’s encouraging to see how the Clean Water Program motivates others to participate in water stewardship.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me, women are gentle as water, firm as stone, and brave as a sword. IWD is the day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural achievements of women everywhere.

IWD 2021 asks: “How will you help forge a gender equal world?” in the context of your work on water stewardship, are there any other female leaders in this space who you think others should know about?

I would like to acknowledge Mu Quan from The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Mu Quan graduated from Peking University, gave up a comfortable life in city and traveled to 23 villages and towns to solve the problem of non-point source pollution in the river basin, exploring a sustainable development path to protect water resources. She is an inspiration.

Rosalie Auricht
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International Women’s Day: Rosalie’s Story

“To me, water stewardship means doing our very best in the governance of our finite water resources and making sure there will be a healthy river ecosystem and water for today and tomorrow.”

Rosalie Auricht, General Manager, Renmark Irrigation Trust
Rosalie Auricht

Rosalie Auricht, General manager at Renmark Irrigation Trust in South Australia, speaks to us about how her work is helping to improve health of river ecosystems.

How would you describe your role to someone who may be unfamiliar with your area of work?

The Renmark Irrigation Trust, based in the Riverland region of South Australia, was established in 1893 and delivers water for our horticulture-based community, and other users, as well as managing salinity drainage. The Trust has stewardship over important natural assets of the riverine ecosystem in the Renmark irrigation area and is undertaking restoration of degraded floodplain environments.

Reporting to a Board that is elected from within the membership of the local irrigation community, my job is to manage the many complexities of water supply, delivery and infrastructure for which the organization has responsibility, to anticipate and plan for the challenges facing our Riverland growers, and ensure the Trust continues to underpin the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Renmark community. The Riverland is one of Australia’s most productive agricultural food bowls, with an abundance of grain, fruit, grapes and nuts grown year-round, which is vital to the local and national economy and the security of our food supply.

What drew you to working in water in particular?

Australia experienced a very severe drought in the first decade of the 21st century, known as the Millennium Drought. The whole of the Murray-Darling Basin and river flows were severely impacted, and horticulturalists were forced to survive with extremely reduced water supply for their crops. It was crippling for the river communities, agriculture, industry, and the environment.

The distressing plight of the Murray River ecosystem made media headlines throughout Australia. Like many people, I was saddened to see this crisis unfold and thought about what the future might hold in an era of increasing climate change and diminishing water resources. Having worked in conservation previously, I was acutely aware of how much we, as humans, have lost through our disregard for the environment. My partner often reminds me that back then I said “Maybe we should do something to help the River” when discussing what to do in the retirement phase of our lives. 

At the time, we talked about how the River is the lifeblood of South Australia, one of Australia’s greatest natural assets, and must be managed better. In 2015,  coincidentally, the Renmark Irrigation Trust advertised an executive position vacancy, and I was lucky enough to be selected from the applicants for what I can only describe as a dream job in a wonderful organization where I am able to play a role in helping to improve the sustainability of the Murray River.  

What does a day in your job look like?

Following the Millennium Drought, a period of major water management reforms commenced in the Murray-Darling Basin with a legislated plan for improvements through to 2024.

Some days I am sitting with other key stakeholders in the Murray River, discussing plans and contributing to the detail of that water management reform. Others are spent working on the program to restore the health of the riverine ecosystem around the Renmark area, while others are devoted to looking ahead and predicting the organisational needs of the future, as well as those of today, as our water management role becomes ever more important. Then, there are days spent working together with the great team of people at the Trust who, above all, will do whatever is needed to ensure the water allocated under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is carefully managed and continues to be delivered to our community when they need it.

What does water stewardship mean to you?

Water stewardship is about the critical responsibility  and aims we share with many others in natural resource management, government, agriculture,  industry,  the private sector,  and community groups to collaborate in achieving innovative,  successful,  and sustainable outcomes that truly balance the social, environmental, cultural, and economic benefits from water.

To me, water stewardship means doing our very best in the governance of our finite water resources and making sure there will be a healthy river ecosystem and water for today and tomorrow.

What stage would you say you are at in your water stewardship journey?

The Trust has progressively developed good water stewardship practices over its many decades of operation, as one of the leaders in sound water management and irrigation since early settlement of the Renmark region.  For example, open water delivery channels used by the Trust were fully converted to pipelines by the mid-1970s, significantly reducing water delivery losses, whereas in many other parts of Australia, open channels are still used.

Many other innovative water conservation and efficiency measures have become common practice at the Trust. Thus, our water stewardship journey began long ago, but I feel we cannot slow in our efforts to do more, since the challenges are increasing each day. In particular, we want to play a role in encouraging others to take action and to show strong leadership. Therefore, the Trust is looking beyond its own region to the whole of the Murray-Darling Basin and is working to build relationships with stakeholders across the catchment. Increased understanding and acceptance of the principles of good water stewardship, as provided for in the Murray-Darling Plan, will help to “smooth the waters” between the catchment communities when inevitable drought returns and water in the Basin becomes scarce again. Australia is a land of floods and droughts!

How have you found working with The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)/ AWS Standard?

Applying the AWS Standard to the Trust has helped the organization think about the components of good water stewardship and provides a formal framework for continuous improvement.

What achievement are you most proud of when it comes to water?

When I arrived at the Trust, the Board and the local government, Renmark Paringa Council, had a vision of restoring the degraded floodplain areas near the river to a healthy environment and habitat for wildlife and for enjoyment of the community using the Trust’s infrastructure to deliver Australian Commonwealth water for the environment.

I was able to use my professional skills and experience to bring this vision to fruition. In 2016, the Trust signed a partnership agreement with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, the first irrigation entity to do so in Australia. There are now nine active watering sites and by 2023 there will be sixteen, covering around 136 ha of wetlands.

Three years ago, a pair of young black swans began to build a nest at one of the watering sites. Last year they produced six healthy cygnets; the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Trust were very proud parents!

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

When I commenced work in my profession as a Certified Practicing Accountant and financial manager, there were few women in the field, and it was not easy for women to rise to executive positions. It had only been a few years earlier that women were able to continue working in the state government’s public service after they were married.

My experience is that organizations perform better when they have diversity on their Boards and among their employees. I believe women also intuitively understand what is important for the well-being of their community, including the importance of maintaining the health of our riverine ecosystems. Women can lead their communities to achieve the best outcomes for people and for the environment; their perspectives are very broad and holistic.

IWD 2021 asks: “How will you help forge a gender equal world?” In the context of your work on water stewardship, are there any other female leaders in this space who you think others should know about?

I welcome women speaking out now and being heard in many contexts, and I support the principle of equal representation and consideration of women in all walks of life, especially in natural resource management and in protecting our environment.

Michelle Campbell is the Local Engagement Officer in the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office within the Australian Government. Michelle’s enthusiasm for community partnerships was instrumental in developing the Trust’s restoration of the floodplain program. She has been a key supporter and motivator for many advances in water stewardship in our region.

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