Interloop-AWS Awareness and Consultation Workshop Promotes Sustainable Water Management Practices
Interloop Limited hosted an Awareness & Consultation Workshop in collaboration with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), a global membership collaboration comprising businesses, NGOs, and the public sector, on May 31, 2023, at NICL, LUMS. The event aimed to raise awareness about the AWS standard and the urgent need for sustainable water management practices. The workshop facilitated collaboration and cooperation among various stakeholders, allowing for the identification of shared goals and solutions for sustainable water management. The participants represented members from industry, academia, and various NGOs.
The workshop agenda consisted of several informative and interactive sessions. Ms. Maheen Malik, Country Coordinator, AWS, emphasised the significance of water stewardship in addressing the growing pressures on water resources due to population growth, changing lifestyles, and climate change. AWS enables collective action to achieve sustainable water management, ensuring social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic benefits for communities, neighboring industries, and the government sector. Dr. Imran Azam, Manager Water Stewardship and Replenishment, WWF, engaged the audience with his insights on simple steps and actions that community members, neighboring industries, and the government sector can take to contribute to water stewardship efforts. His recommendations provided practical guidance on how individuals and organisations can positively impact water management practices.
This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Muhammad Abubakr, Executive Director, Water Informatics and Technology Centre, LUMS. His discussion focused on the issue of water conservation and systems to address the most pressing issues in the water sector with solutions that are driven by innovative practices and sustainable technological interventions.
Addressing the pressing issue of water quality degradation due to chemical contamination, Dr. Azam Saeed from UET shared valuable knowledge on the ways and alternatives that can be used to mitigate this challenge. His expertise shed light on the importance of adopting sustainable practices to preserve water quality for the well-being of communities and ecosystems. Mr. Fauz ul Azeem, General Manager of Sustainability at Interloop Limited, took the opportunity to present the initiatives and plans of Interloop Limited regarding AWS. His presentation showcased the company's commitment to sustainable water management and its efforts to align with the AWS Standard.
These insightful presentations were followed by a panel discussion and consultation session moderated by Mr. Ammar Bin Saleem. The panelists included Ms. Maheen Malik, AWS, Dr. Azam Saeed, UET, Mr. Saad Shahid, TTI, Mr. Noor Ahmad, EPA, and Ms. Leena Maqbool, Punjab Irrigation Department. The open discussion centered around the shared water challenges and potential solutions, encouraging participants to exchange ideas, experiences, and expertise. The session proved to be a platform for meaningful collaboration and problem-solving among stakeholders.
The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants followed by closing remarks from Interloop Limited, expressing gratitude to all attendees and emphasising the importance of continued collaboration in addressing water challenges. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event created a platform for dialogue and cooperation, fostering a deeper understanding of water stewardship and encouraging the implementation of effective solutions.