WATER REPLENISHMENT PROGRAM
Strengthen the water resilience of your production sites and territories through Nature-based Solutions. Sustainably support the water cycles of the watersheds your operations depend on.
Securing water availability in an era of growing water stress
Are your operations located in water-stressed river basins and highly dependent on water resources? Water is a critical resource for many industries. As rising temperatures accelerate the global water cycle, droughts, floods and water quality degradation are becoming more frequent and severe. The economic consequences are already tangible: one in five companies reports water-related supply chain risks that could significantly impact their business (CDP Water, 2024).
At the same time, growing number of companies are formalizing voluntary water commitments, supported by a rapidly structuring ecosystem of reference frameworks and platforms - including Water Positive, CDP Water and emerging CSRD-related requirements - promoting a proactive, measurable and watershed-based approach to water management. Nearly 5,000 companies now disclose water-related data through CDP.
**Strengthen the water resilience of production sites and secure long-term business continuity by sustainably improving water availability across the watersheds where operations are located. **
PHYSICAL RISKS
Risks related to water availability and water quality that can directly affect business continuity
REGULATORY RISKS
Risks linked to the company’s regulatory environment and its ability to comply with current or upcoming water-related regulations
REPUTATIONAL RISKS
Risks arising from societal debates and heightened stakeholder expectations, particularly in water-stressed regions
Anticipate water risks
Take action at the watershed level
PROGRAM
Our “Water Replenishment Program” is designed for companies with a high water footprint or operations located in watersheds facing significant water-related challenges, such as water scarcity, water stress, flooding or declining water quality.
As forest experts, we build on the essential role of (agro)forestry ecosystems within local watershed networks. We leverage our extensive network of local partners to design and implement targeted forest-based programs that directly support watershed health, while also generating broader social and environmental co-benefits. Our projects are engineered for impact thanks to a science-based quantification approach, notably using the Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting (VWBA) methodology developed by the WRI*.
Wherever you stand in your water stewardship journey, we support you in conducting an in-depth watershed assessment to identify priority actions and estimate the potential impact of your commitment at territorial scale.
What if forests were the most effective way to protect water resources?
Forests improve water quality
Forests act as natural filters: roots, soil organic matter and microorganisms trap and break down organic pollutants. Riparian forests can absorb up to 80% of nitrates and 70% of phosphates before water reaches rivers.
Forests contribute to water recharge
By increasing soil porosity, trees enhance water infiltration and aquifer recharge, while reducing runoff. Forests help regulate river flows and support the water cycle through evapotranspiration.
Forests mitigate flood risks
Through interception and infiltration, forests reduce runoff during heavy rainfall. In temperate regions, they intercept 20–30% of precipitation, while forest soils absorb up to six times more water than grassland soils.
Strengthen the water resilience of your value chain
A concrete response to a quantified target expressed in cubic meters, notably within a Water Positive strategy.
Act at the territorial level
Contribute locally to improving water resources across your areas of operation.
Catalyze collective action
Structure and lead a multi-stakeholder initiative to address shared water-related challenges.
EXPERTISE
What sets us apart
NbS expertise applied to the water cycle: Our expertise in forestry and sustainable agriculture enables us to understand natural water cycle processes and translate them into effective Nature-based Solutions.
A watershed-scale, collaborative approach: Water challenges are inherently local. Our ability to build robust governance frameworks and mobilize key stakeholders - supported by our established partner network - is critical to success.
A science-based impact modeling framework: We rely on a science-based model to project hydrological impacts, identify priority intervention areas and quantify how water is distributed across the system.
