One of the Biggest Global Risks Is the Water Crisis

The Federation of Turkish Food and Beverage Industry Associations (TGDF) shared its report on 'Policy Recommendations for Water Risks and Sustainability in the Turkish Food and Beverage Sector' with the public through a webinar held on 7 June in digital format. A meeting was organized to introduce the Policy Recommendations for Water Risks and Sustainability in the Turkish Food and Beverage Sector Report prepared by TGDF, with participation from private sector and public stakeholders as well as academics.   At the opening of the meeting, TGDF Chairman Demir Şarman stated that as a result of the increasingly severe adverse effects of climate change, the entire world has now recognized the importance of water, and that drought has become a serious problem not only for countries in the desert belt but also for countries in the wet and green zones.

Water Crisis Among the Top Global Risks of the Next Decade

Stating that authorities rank the water crisis among the most significant global risks for the next decade, Demir Şarman said, "As a result, there is a risk of irreversible depletion of groundwater, major environmental catastrophe and even water conflicts. Despite these projections, water continues to be used carelessly. The rate of renewal of accessible water resources is not taken into account, and the small amount we have is being polluted through wrong practices. However, countries must approach this issue with great sensitivity and take action by presenting concrete solutions as soon as possible." Emphasizing the importance of the Water Law studies being conducted in our country in this context, Şarman noted, "As TGDF, we take this matter very seriously, we consider the law studies critical for our country and sector, and we support them. Our other work on this issue has been our Policy Recommendations for Water Risks and Sustainability Report." 'Turkey Environment Week' Selected for Report Launch Addressing the reason for choosing 7 June for the report launch, Şarman stated, "As you will recall, since the United Nations Environment Conference held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972, 5 June has been celebrated as World Environment Day. In recent days, there was a welcome development: with a circular published in the Official Gazette, the week containing 5 June will henceforth be formally celebrated as Turkey Environment Week in our country. The fact that our state has formally addressed such an important matter at the highest level has made us all happy. Therefore, we waited for today to share the TGDF Water Report, which we completed some time ago, with our stakeholders and the public."

We Have Listed Our Policy Recommendations to Navigate the Water Crisis with Minimal Damage

TGDF Board Member and Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Sustainability Commission Kürşat Apan also made a speech at the meeting. Noting that TGDF has been voicing for a long time that the water crisis is at the door, Apan stated, "As TGDF, we have taken important steps such as signing an Environmental Protocol with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. We pledge to continue our efforts intensively in the direction of building sustainable food systems, particularly focusing on the water crisis. Today we are presenting the 'Policy Recommendations for Water Risks and Sustainability Report' on behalf of our Federation. As can be understood from its name, in this report we have listed our policy recommendations to navigate the approaching water crisis with minimal damage. In addition, we aimed to increase awareness in our sector and to guide them to take action where necessary."

Current Water Management System Is Not Sustainable

Dilek Emil, founding partner of EWA Corporate Consulting and one of the report authors of the Policy Recommendations for Water Risks and Sustainability in the Turkish Food and Beverage Sector Report published by TGDF, conducted a comprehensive presentation at the report launch. Stating that the water report project was conducted to draw attention to the water issue, promote effective and circular water use, and support policy recommendations for mechanisms that encourage producers and companies regarding water efficiency and water use transparency, Emil provided important information on the current water situation in the world and Turkey, drought projections and future expectations. Providing information on Turkey's water resources and water potential, Emil summarized the different policies applied in our country regarding water. In his assessment that the current water management system is not sustainable, Emil said, "There are many steps that need to be taken. Policy implementation gaps must be filled, sectoral policies and water policies must be integrated, stakeholder dialogue and evidence-based policies must be developed, a stakeholder map must be created and those in disadvantaged positions must be identified."