Malawi has reiterated its commitment to the Glasgow Declaration on Fair Water Footprints.
The declaration was launched during the 26th edition of the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 2021.
It commits governments and industries to work together to trigger positive change by ensuring that the production and consumption of goods ‘does no harm’ and ‘does good’ for water security, climate resilience and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking during a multi-stakeholder discussion on fair water footprints hosted by Chatham House in London, UK, last Friday, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, said Malawi remains committed to the declaration.
“We are also committed to ensuring access to clean water for all by 2030,” Mia said.
The discussion was held under the theme of ‘Bridging Waters – What Can We Learn from Malawi’s Approach to Ensuring a Fair Water Footprint?’
It focused on drawing lessons from the Malawi tea industry and the government of Malawi regarding their approach to securing a fair water footprint in tea production.
The Tea Association of Malawi (Taml, together with its affiliate Sukambizi Tea Association Trust and the Tea Research Foundation, represented the industry in Malawi.
Speaking during the discussion, Taml Chief Executive Officer Tonda Chinangwa said the Malawi tea industry has taken the lead in the sustainable management of water resources in tea production.
Chinangwa explained that the industry is achieving this through the non-pollution of water resources and the use of only approved pesticides.
“We are also engaged in the protection of water catchment areas within the tea industry, the provision of potable water to workers and their families within the tea value chain, among other initiatives,” Chinangwa said.
The discussion was organised by Water Witness International through its Malawi office and Scottish headquarters.
Commitments have since been made by global partners to support Malawi and the tea industry in furthering their work on fair water footprints.
The discussion followed another event during the week where the Malawi delegation sought to promote local tea brands in the UK and European markets.
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