Healthy rivers, resilient supply chains

Protecting freshwater ecosystems is increasingly recognized as an essential strategy for building long-term business resilience. The Freshwater Basin Threshold Tool (BTT) was developed to help companies turn that understanding into action.

Created through a collaboration between WWF, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and partners within the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), the BTT translates complex freshwater science into practical guidance for businesses. The tool helps companies determine where, when, and how much water should remain in a river system to maintain healthy freshwater ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic development.

For many companies, water stewardship challenges present themselves upon implementation. A company's sustainability strategy may succeed in one watershed and fall short in another. The Basin Threshold Tool bridges that gap by providing river basin-specific information that helps organizations understand the ecological limits and needs of individual river basins, rather than relying on broad global averages. This allows companies to make decisions based on the realities of the watersheds where they operate or source raw materials.

The Basin Threshold Tool takes form as a digital platform that compiles and displays basin-level information on water flows, levels, storage, and quality. As more organizations use the Basin Threshold Tool and contribute data, its value will continue to grow. But it's true impact will be determined by how boldly companies act on the insights it provides and set SBTN guided sustainability targets.

Protecting rivers and freshwater ecosystems is linked to business success. It is how companies build longevity into their operations. The Basin Threshold Tool provides companies with the information needed to make smarter, science-based decisions, creating supply chains that are more resilient, more sustainable, and better prepared for the future.