Expert network launched to support Finnish companies to become leaders in water stewardship by 2030

The Finnish Water Stewardship Expert Network has been founded to support Finnish companies to become leaders in water stewardship by 2030. The network has been launched via a commitment to the Water Action Agenda of the UN Water Conference in New York in March 22nd-24th 2023, with a call for national and international collaboration.

The Finnish Water Stewardship Expert Network consists of state research institutes, universities, consulting companies, foundations and NGOs, which all engage in developing principles and practices of water stewardship and accordingly, sustainable and fair water use by business. The network members take complementary roles, some directly engaging with companies while others with policy development in close collaboration with government and public sector agencies, and in scientific research, capacity building and advocacy.

The network is coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute Syke. Syke ensures the network expert views are taken into account in the development of national water stewardship action plans by the associated Finnish ministries, and that the network members have access to and build their services to companies on the best international practices and scientific knowledge.

The Finnish Water Stewardship Expert Network commits to support companies in ensuring their water related actions are based on best available knowledge and practices, in incorporating water into the core of their strategy and responsibility, and in addressing linkages to human rights, climate change and biodiversity.

The members of the network in March 2023 are Finnish Environment Institute Syke, Natural Resources Institute Finland, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland; Aalto University, University of Eastern Finland, SYKLI Environmental College; Finnish Water Forum, Finnish Freshwater Foundation, Pyhäjärvi Institute; AFRY and Gaia Consulting.

With its collaborative approach the network sets an example of supporting transformative collective action in a cost-effective way, building on complementary roles and synergies among its members, and with international scaling-up and replication potential. The network is open to new members and collaboration, in Finland and internationally.

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For more information, get in touch with Senior Research Scientist Suvi Sojamo, Finnish Environment Institute, suvi.sojamo@syke.fi

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