WWF and GSK have teamed up to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems across the Asian continent.
The five year, multi-million pound partnership will help GSK to ensure freshwater ecosystems within its operational reach are restored, promoting biodiversity and human wellbeing in these regions.
Together, the organisations will boost ecosystems in the Sutlej River Basin and the Indus Delta in Pakistan — where GSK has three manufacturing sites and a multitiude of suppliers.
Freshwater is fundamental to both human health and the production of medicines, yet the world's freshwater resources are currently under significant stress.
Therefore, GSK wanted to reduce the stress of pharmaceutical production on the local communities and freshwater-dwelling organisms surrounding its production sites.
“We’re delighted to be working with WWF to help drive positive change in water-stressed regions in India and Pakistan where we have manufacturing sites and where many of our key suppliers are located," commented Regis Simard, GSK’s President Global Supply Chain.
"By ensuring a sustainable water supply, we can continue to develop and deliver medicines and vaccines that prevent and change the course of disease. Collaborating with partners within and outside of our sector is crucial to achieve our ambitious nature goals, including on freshwater.”
Through the partnership, GSK and the WWF hope to replenish more than 300,000m3 of water, while focusing on the protection, management and restoration of freshwater habitats — including the populations of key freshwater species such as dolphins and otters.
They will also support sustainable water management and efficient water usage.
Tanya Steele, CEO of WWF UK said: “Nature is disappearing at an alarming rate, with freshwater wildlife populations declining on average by 85% since 1970. Currently, India and Pakistan are experiencing water crises; millions of people there are without access to safe water.
"As an industry so dependent on water it’s critical that the pharmaceutical sector takes action in tackling the climate and nature emergency. WWF and GSK recognise the collective impact we can have, to protect and restore vital freshwater ecosystems.”