Pioneering enterprises in water conservation, joining hands for a green future

(Chinhphu.vn) - Faced with the challenges of climate change and the risk of water scarcity, Vietnam has affirmed its determination to manage water resources. Many pioneering enterprises have applied initiatives to conserve and recycle water, contributing to the realization of sustainable development goals.

Sharing program on sustainable development with media agencies with the theme "Strengthening governance and conservation of water resources for sustainable development goals and effective adaptation to climate change" - Photo: VGP/HT

Clean water is the key to sustainable development

Speaking at the program sharing on sustainable development with media agencies with the theme "Strengthening governance and conservation of water resources for sustainable development and effective adaptation to climate change" organized by the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) on September 16, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh - Vice President of VCCI, President of VBCSD emphasized: Water resource governance is a vital requirement for economic development, energy security and social stability. Enterprises need to play a central role in conserving and using water resources effectively.

According to the VBCSD Council, the total surface water resources in Vietnam are estimated at 830-840 billion m³/year, and groundwater is about 47.5-63 billion m³/year. However, only 37% of this water is produced within the territory, the remaining more than 60% depends on outside the border. Therefore, Vietnam becomes vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and transboundary factors.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh - Vice President of VCCI, President of VBCSD speaks - Photo: VGP/HT

Mr. Vinh added that in March 2025, on the occasion of World Water Day, Vietnam affirmed to promote the conservation and restoration of rivers. Water is considered the "blood vessel" of the economy, closely linked to agricultural production, industry, daily life and services. At the same time, clean water is also the key to achieving sustainable development goals, sustainable consumption and climate change response.

Mr. Hoang Viet – Director of Water Program, WWF – Vietnam emphasized: Water is the foundation for food, energy and livelihoods of millions of people. But climate change, uncontrolled exploitation and pollution are degrading water resources, requiring a more scientific , comprehensive and sustainable approach to governance.

Pioneering enterprise in water conservation and regeneration

According to the VCCI leader, many businesses in Vietnam have applied sustainable water management initiatives. Nestlé Vietnam aims to return to the community and the environment clean water equivalent to 100% of the amount used in production by 2025.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Hoang - Head of Sustainable Development of Heineken Vietnam said that water conservation is the focus of the development strategy, helping the business not only fulfill its social responsibility but also enhance its reputation and access to green capital. Heineken Vietnam implements forest planting, biodiversity protection, and compensates more than 690 million liters of water each year in the Tien River basin.

In addition, representatives from BAT Vietnam and Samsung Vietnam have completed the commitment to have 100% of their manufacturing plants certified by AWS Water Management. These models show that water conservation is not simply a cost, but also a strategic investment to reduce risks and meet global ESG requirements.

However, major challenges still exist as many small and medium enterprises lack capital, technology and support mechanisms. Therefore, incentive policies, support from financial institutions and the spreading role of the press are needed to connect the community to take action.

From a management perspective, Mr. Nguyen Minh Khuyen - Deputy Director of the Department of Water Resources Management, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said: The State has issued a system of policies to ensure water security. In the coming time, the Ministry will coordinate with other agencies to deploy key solutions, while mobilizing the participation of the private sector. Mr. Khuyen emphasized that the public-private partnership (PPP) model is extremely urgent in the context of limited budget, helping to supplement investment capital, bring advanced technology and effective management.

VCCI Vice President Nguyen Quang Vinh also affirmed that the press plays an important role in inspiring and raising social awareness. Through the event, VCCI and VBCSD hope that the business community will better understand their responsibilities and spread effective water governance models.

Ms. Hanh Huynh - founder of the Vietnam Water Stewardship Program, said that the press can help change the awareness and behavior of both management agencies and businesses, thereby building a framework for action to protect water resources.

Ms. Chu Thi Van Anh - Vice President of VBA said: SMEs can learn from large enterprises through the media.

On the other hand, according to Mr. Nguyen Van Phan - Chairman of the Board of Management and Director of the Center for Environmental Education and Communication, businesses need to proactively provide information, coordinate closely with management agencies, organize training to raise awareness and innovate communication methods to make messages more accessible.

"Only when the State, businesses, communities and the press work together can water security be ensured. Tools such as the Water Risk Filter and the Water Stewardship framework have proven effective in helping businesses identify risks and proactively adapt," said Mr. Hoang Viet, Director of Water Program, WWF-Vietnam.

Mr. Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/doanh-nghiep-tien-phong-bao-ton-nguon-nuoc-chung-tay-vi-tuong-lai-xanh-102250916183837961.htm