December 10, 2014
There is an immediate need for more businesses to recognize the risks water scarcity poses to their company’s bottom line and the communities in which they operate in Latin America, according to SABMiller Peru Managing Director Fernando Zavala.

Speaking at the Sustainable Innovation Forum, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Lima, Zavala stressed the increasing risks water scarcity poses to business and society, while also talking about the economic, social and environmental benefits of tackling climate change and investing in water security in the region.

More than 70% of the global brewer’s business is in developing markets, many of which already suffer from water scarcity.

Through its new sustainable development strategy, Prosper, SABMiller has set itself demanding targets to reduce water use and its carbon footprint throughout its whole value chain, from grain to glass. Now it is calling other businesses in the region to do the same.

Leading a closed VIP Roundtable with leaders from NGOs, multilaterals, government and other businesses on water scarcity today, Zavala said: “Investing in the security of water in Latin America isn’t just an environmental issue – it’s a very real business risk, and an investment which contributes to our profits. It is in our interest to work with other businesses, local communities, and governments to tackle shared water risks in the region to secure and replenish the water basins we all depend on.”
- See more at Source | Beverage World