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Highlights from the TCP Sustainability Forum 2024
The TCP Sustainability Forum 2024, themed "Water Resilience in a Changing Climate," hosted by the TCP Group, served as a platform to highlight and explore the urgent issue of the water crisis, driven by climate change. Recent flooding in many parts of Thailand further underscores the critical need for action. The forum brought together experts from both the government and private sector to discuss, share guidelines, and energize collaboration to advance sustainable water crisis management in Thailand.
Drawing from the perspectives and experiences of experts in various fields, including Dr. Supavud Saicheua, Chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Mr. Saravoot Yoovidhya, Chief Executive Officer of TCP Group, Mr. Prasit Vaiyavatjamai, Partner, Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change of ERM-Siam Co., Ltd., an environmental consulting firm, and Dr. Petch Manopawitr, Conservation Scientist and Technical Advisor for International Environmental Organizations, Secretary-General of the Green World Foundation, and President of the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, we have compiled 10 guidelines from these experts and business leaders as follows:
Water Crisis, a Call for Urgent Action: The floods that have plagued northern Thailand since August, now spreading to the upper central region in September, make it clear that we are facing a water crisis that is no longer distant. Mr. Saravoot highlighted the warning signs and called for all sectors to collaborate in "restoring our water resources" before it's too late. Additionally, the 2023 Forward Faster report by the Global Compact Network Thailand warns that by 2030, the world will face a severe shortage of clean water due to a 40% gap between water supply and demand. This situation is expected to worsen, directly impacting communities and businesses. Therefore, implementing sustainable water practices is more critical than ever.
Adapting Quickly to a Changing World: As the world evolves, businesses must adapt more quickly. This is a significant challenge for TCP Group. How can the company drive business growth while minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive impacts to the environment and society? In response, TCP Group has adopted a holistic approach to water management, focusing on creating water security, promoting water sustainability, and achieving water resilience to address the growing water-related challenges.
Leveraging Innovation for Water Management: Technology plays a pivotal role in improving water management practices, as demonstrated by TCP Group through the implementation of its Smart Manufacturing system. By leveraging this technology, the company reduced water usage within its production processes by 24% compared to 2019.
Joining Forces with Alliances and Communities: Sustainability efforts are driven by collaboration and collective action. Mr. Saravoot highlights the success of the "TCP Embracing Thailand's River Basin" project, a collaborative initiative between TCP Group, partners, and local communities. This project focuses on replenishing surface water and groundwater, restoring and developing sustainable water storage, and returning over 17 million cubic meters of water to communities and the environment. The project has benefited over 42,462 households and empowered local communities with practical knowledge.
Water Stewardship, the Key Solution for Thailand's Economic Future: Dr. Supavud highlighted solutions and opportunities to support economy, focusing on supporting the agricultural sector. He emphasized the crucial role of "water" in farming, as it is essential for crop production, farmers' incomes, and the country's overall growth. Meanwhile, Mr. Prasit shared some concerning statistics: Thailand ranks fourth globally in water consumption, with agriculture accounting for over 70% of total water demand. Furthermore, more than 19% of Thailand's surface water faces quality issues, and approximately 3.5 billion cubic meters of wastewater is discharged into rivers.
A Competitive Advantage for Those Who Act First: Mr. Prasit advised businesses to prioritize water management and leverage it as a competitive advantage. He emphasized the need to act quickly to create differentiation and business value, preparing companies to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Ultimately, water resilience will lead to business resilience.
Caring for Water from Upstream to Downstream: Dr. Petch stressed that water restoration will revitalize our food production systems and biodiversity. He also highlighted the importance of managing the entire water system, which includes ensuring sufficient areas to absorb water, maintaining good infrastructure, improving water storage, and adopting measures to slow water flow and mitigate downstream damage. He underscored the need to focus on three key dimensions of water management: water availability, water quality, and water-related risks. Managing the entire water system, from the source to the end, is crucial.
Nature-Based Solutions: Dr. Petch advocates for a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) approach to water management. This holistic perspective addresses multiple challenges simultaneously by integrating ecological understanding with engineering expertise. Water management cannot be compartmentalized; water resources are interconnected with other sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism.
The Global Trend is Nature Positive: Dr. Petch also referred to a global trend of not only mitigating environmental impacts but actively restoring and managing natural systems to create positive impacts. He emphasized that Nature-based Solutions are the key for Thailand in addressing future challenges.
Sustainability Is Like Running a Marathon: Mr. Saravoot views sustainability efforts, including water management, as a long-term mission. He likens it to running a marathon, emphasizing the need for continuous and sustained actions.
Climate and water-related challenges continue to escalate, and management is a race against time. The TCP Sustainability Forum 2024 aims to energize the business sector, underscoring that building water resilience is essential and requires cooperation from all sectors to effectively manage water, reduce the risk of a water crisis, and ensure a sustainable future of businesses.
