Why we're working together
Freshwater is essential for our planet. It supplies us with water for drinking, growing crops and provides habitats for wildlife. Freshwater ecosystems also help to prevent erosion and provide natural protection from flooding.
But our freshwater systems are under threat, and we need collective action from businesses, communities and policymakers to secure and protect these precious resources. The actions required are not something that anyone can do alone, they must be collective.
That’s why WWF and AB InBev, are working together to address critical water challenges and drive measurable impact in high-risk watersheds.
The partnership with AB InBev has a long-standing history, which first started with South African Breweries (SAB), dating back to 2008 when WWF and SABMiller pioneered the practice of ‘water footprinting’ – measuring the amount of water used in making beer. Since then, our partnership has continued to evolve, working in watersheds across Africa and South America to help drive real change on the ground.
At WWF, we’re working hard to protect and manage freshwater resources around the world to meet the needs of both people and nature. AB InBev, the world’s leading brewer, depends on water as a vital ingredient in their products. By working together, we combine our expertise, skills and influence to help address critical water challenges and achieve impact in areas that need it most.
What we're doing
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© Japhary Kiwanga / WWF-TanzaniaTanzania
MoreClose We are working to help improve water quality and availability in the Wami-Ruvu river basin and catchments supplying Dar es Salaam; by restoring natural ecosystems, reducing pollution, and bringing communities, government and businesses together to better manage water resources for the future.
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© WWF / Simon RawlesUganda
MoreClose We are helping improve water quality and availability in the River Rwizi catchment in southwestern Uganda by restoring landscapes, reducing pollution, and supporting sustainable farming and land use. We work with communities, government and businesses to help strengthen water management and support alternative livelihoods for lasting resilience for nature and people.
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© WWF-MozambiqueMozambique
MoreClose We are working to improve water quality and river health in southern Mozambique’s Maputo basin by restoring ecosystems and reducing pressures such as invasive species and unsustainable practices. We bring together communities, government and businesses to help strengthen water management, protect biodiversity and build resilience in these catchments.
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© Jasper Doest / WWFZambia
MoreClose The project aims to improve water availability and strengthen ecosystem and agricultural resilience in the Kafue Basin in Zambia by helping restore freshwater habitats, promoting sustainable farming practices, and developing water infrastructure. We work with multiple stakeholders to improve water management and support climate-smart livelihoods, helping to build more resilient and sustainable supply chains.
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© Dick Renes / WWFBelgium
MoreClose In Belgium, the newest country in scope of our partnership, we will work to help improve water quality and availability by restoring wetlands and natural water systems in areas like Sint-Onolfspolder and the Gete headwaters. Using nature-based solutions, we will work to retain and purify water, reduce flood and drought risks, support biodiversity, and strengthen water stewardship with local partners.
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Recent highlights
- All countries in scope of our partnership have demonstrated a measurable improvement in water availability as a direct result of the interventions implemented.
- Improved awareness and action towards sustainable water management, leveraging over $1m USD of private sector investments for sustainable water management.
- Improved water quality and the protection of freshwater ecosystems, ensuring over 8,000 hectares are under restoration and improved management.
- Our partnership has helped AB InBev meet its 2025 global water sustainability goal: ensuring that all communities in high water-stress areas where it operates have improved water quality and availability.
We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with AB InBev to protect and restore healthy rivers, creating lasting benefits for people, nature and climate. Together, our ongoing work and commitment to tackle key pressures on freshwater ecosystems will support local communities and drive global action to allow us to meet the needs of people, nature and the economy.
At AB InBev, water is a vital ingredient in our beer and essential to the communities and ecosystems where we operate. As we aim to restore more water than we withdraw in high‑risk watersheds, we are focused on driving efficiency inside our breweries while working beyond our walls to strengthen water availability and quality at the watershed level. We know this work requires collective action. Our partnership with WWF allows us to work together to scale solutions, from nature-based interventions to community collaboration, that build resilience for both our business and natural ecosystems.