Water

Water is increasingly recognised as one of the most material nature-related business risks. From water scarcity and declining quality to regulatory pressure, organisations are facing growing challenges in accessing this key resource. Effective water stewardship can help businesses reduce risk, avoid disruption, support business continuity and contribute to healthy watersheds, creating value for both nature and business. 

At The Biodiversity Consultancy (TBC), we take an integrated approach to water stewardship, bringing together expertise in freshwater ecology, ecosystem function, and the socio-economic systems that depend on water. We recognise that water security depends on ecosystems, so we help clients understand how changes in rivers, wetlands and catchments affect business continuity across sites, landscapes and value chains. 

We help organisations identify their material water-related challenges, prioritise action, and develop nature-based solutions that strengthen operational performance while delivering benefits for freshwater ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

We supported supported organisations in evaluating water-related impacts across products, operations and value chains using lifecycle assessment, enabling the company to identify hotspots and prioritise action. We have also delivered basin-level assessments and stewardship tools that help organisations understand their exposure to water stress and declining water quality, as well as setting robust, science-based water targets.

Our expertise extends from global strategies to implementation on the ground. Across five continents, we advise clients on freshwater biodiversity assessments, monitoring, and management of nature-related risks at project and site level. This includes applying IFC Performance Standard 6 (PS6), supporting monitoring and evaluation for no net loss and net gain commitments, and identifying options to offset residual impacts. 

Beyond site-level management, we supported the development of freshwater indicators, designed monitoring frameworks to track biodiversity and freshwater co-benefits, and contributed to development of Biodiversity Benefit Accounting (BioBA) guidance. 

By combining freshwater science, biodiversity expertise and strategic advisory support, TBC supports clients in better understanding and managing water-related risk, making informed decisions.