Publications

Chief Liquidity Series - Issue 1: Agribusiness (geography- and sector-specific water materiality briefings for financial institutions) (5.4 MB | 72 pages)

The water scarcity challenge is widespread and of global magnitude, but the exact nature of water pressures, regulatory frameworks, and suitable responses vary across regions and sectors; therefore, addressing the challenge requires focused attention locally. Building on the generic Water-related Risk Management Guidelines developed by UNEP Finance Initiative in 2007, the Chief Liquidity Series seeks to provide concrete guidance at the local level - each issue looking at a specific sector across a set of particularly exposed geographies. As such, they aim to close a gap often found in financial institutions between ambitious environmental policies at the group level but lacking awareness and know-how in daily interactions with clients and investees. This first issue sheds light on the water challenges faced by agribusiness actors in Australia, India, South Africa, Brazil and the Mediterranean Basin and provides guidance on the questions financial institutions should ask to better handle the water challenges in these and similar regions themselves.

Published: 2009 | By: UNEP IF

Half full or half empty? (2.0 MB | 84 pages)

While climate change may be the single biggest environmental challenge of the coming decades, its effects on business will mostly manifest themselves via water: circumstances of too little, too much or inadequate timing and quality of supply will expose businesses to considerable financial stress. And yet, despite its material importance, water has, until now, only scarcely appeared on the radars of financial institutions.

Launched on 25th October 2007 at UNEP FI's Global Roundtable in Melbourne, this first-of-its-kind publication goes beyond description and provides lenders and investors with fundamental and practical guidance on how to identify, assess, quantify and integrate water-related risks into existing due-diligence procedures: across geographies and industries; and both within the water/sanitation sector and with respect to businesses "downstream".

However, it is recognized that water cannot only be a destroyer but also a creator of value. There are more opportunities around water than the mere benefits of enhanced risk management. Within this report, these are systematically pointed at and categorized.

Published: 2007 | By: unepfi

CEO Briefing: "Financing Water: Risks and Opportunities" (340 KB | 4 pages)

Key findings from the report highlighting different areas of water-related risk financial institutions are exposed to according to the business segment with which they engage, from water-intensive sectors to those that have a water footprint along the supply chain. The report also identifies appropriate measures financial institutions can employ to mitigate water-related risk.

The report was produced by UNEP FI in collaboration with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and UNEP GPA.

Published: 2006 | By: UNEP FI and UNEP GPA

Financing Water: Risks and Opportunities (3.8 MB | 35 pages)

A report highlighting different areas of water-related risk financial institutions are exposed to according to the business segment with which they engage, from water-intensive sectors to those that have a water footprint along the supply chain. The report also identifies appropriate measures financial institutions can employ to mitigate water-related risk.

The report was produced by UNEP FI in collaboration with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and UNEP GPA.

Published: 2006 | By: UNEP FI and UNEP GPA

Challenges of Water Scarcity: A Business Case for Financial Institutions (2 MB | 36 pages)

The work presented in this report by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) highlights the importance of private sector participation in the water sector for the benefit of water sustainability.

The report calls on financial institutions to become aware of the challenges of water scarcity and to engage in actions to overcome them through risk management tools, investments and dialogue with business partners, national governments and local communities.

Published: 2005 | By: UNEP FI / Stockholm International Water Institute

Challenges of Water Scarcity: A Business Case for Financial Institutions - Preliminary Findings (509 KB | 8 pages)

Preliminary findings from a UNEP FI / Stockholm International Water Institute study on water-related risks for financial institutions. The study raises awareness of water scarcity and highlight opportunities for the financial sector for contributing to sustainable development through active engagement in mitigating water related risks.

Cases from Latin America and Africa demonstrate a diversity of risk drivers and consequences to projects / businesses and financial partners as a result of water scarcity issues.

Published: 2004 | By: UNEP FI / Stockholm International Water Institute