Sustainable Water Certification Under Development
04/01/2009
SustainableBusiness.com News
A new initiative, unveiled at the World Water Forum in Istanbul, aims to create certification for sustainable water sources, similar to the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) certification for renewably sourced lumber.
As a result, beer, soda, rice, clothing and scores of other products might soon be eligible for a sustainable water logo.
"That there is a crisis in water is a given, and that we need to address it is a given. That's why there's so much momentum behind developing a global standard," said Michael Spencer, director of the Water Stewardship Initiative of Australia, which is part of the project.
The FSC label has been effective in combating illegal and unsustainable logging. The theory is that a similar system for water can raise the visibility of water as a global issue, while incentivizing responsbible management of resources.
Six environmental groups, including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have joined in the scheme, which will include corporations and social groups, Spencer said.
The alliance is developing a set of core standards to be released later this year, and a logo could become active within two year.
Read AFP coverage at the link below.
Website: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5govFpteVga3nfJ_dVo_tldl59_3w