18 December 2013: The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and DNV GL – Business Assurance have entered into a partnership to develop and implement joint projects in the field of water footprint measurement, as well as to promote water management best practices, with a particular emphasis on Africa.

Li Yong, UNIDO Director General, and Luca Crisciotti, Chief Executive Officer, DNV GL – Business Assurance, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Vienna, Austria, to formalize the partnership, which will help build the capacity of the local private sector in certification, label creation, evaluation, training and coaching in food safety and security, as well as in responsible supply chain and quality management.

UNIDO notes that in many markets, freshwater resources are coming under increasing pressure due to climate change, as well as competing demands from industry and growing populations. UNIDO and DNV GL will jointly develop a water footprint self-assessment tool to assist small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries to evaluate their footprint in restricted stages of the product life cycle, specifically the so-called ‘cradle-to-gate’ assessment, from agricultural production through processing and production and up to the factory gate.

In addition, suppliers in developing countries and economies in transition often face difficulties in adequately responding to market requirements, which prevent them from taking advantage of business opportunities with local, regional and global buyers. By upgrading the supply capacity of local producers in collaboration with large food brand owners/manufacturers, the partnership aims to ensure that local suppliers establish sustainable business linkages with buyers and gain access to national, and eventually, regional and international markets. While suppliers are expected to improve performance and compliance with food safety standards, large buyer companies will benefit from more inclusive and sustainable supply chains. [UNIDO Press Release]