Dow has tremendous appreciation for the critical importance of resilient watersheds and healthy ecosystems—and strive for a balanced, mutually beneficial relationship with them. It’s why we’re implementing a robust water stewardship and land management approach that conserves natural environments for the benefit of the planet, communities and business.
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Water and Nature
Healthy ecosystems are vital to our planet
Earth’s ecosystems depend on water
It touches every aspect of our lives and links with nearly every United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
The global economy depends on water and nature
A recent WEF report estimated that more than half of the world’s economic output is highly or moderately dependent on nature.
Healthy ecosystems can help mitigate climate change
Thriving ecosystems can be highly effective at sequestering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Water is one of Dow’s more impactful dependencies on nature
- We use water in our daily operations primarily to manage heat generated by some manufacturing processes.
- We consume a small amount in a few of our products and process technologies.
Did you know?
Approximately 96% of the water we withdraw is sustainably returned to the environment.
Milestones moving forward
We have set milestones for water and nature, aligned with our Protect the Climate target. Take a look to see what we’re working toward.
By 2030
We've implemented a robust land management strategy, our top 20 water-dependent sites have water stewardship plans, and 10 of those sites are water-resilient.
By 2035
Every Dow site worldwide has implemented a water stewardship plan. Prioritized Dow sites have an action plan to drive conservation or regenerative change.
By 2050
We've partnered to conserve 50,000 acres of habitat and our top 20 water-dependent sites are water-resilient.
Our approach to conserving watersheds and ecosystems
Managing site footprints more sustainablyWe support business continuity through world-class water stewardship and positively impacting habitat through smart land management.
Engaging our entire supply chainWe are working to reduce the demand and impact on water and nature ecosystems beyond our gates.
Innovating with customers and partnersWe deploy our innovation engine for products and solutions that are better for water and nature.
Collaborating to take actionWe work alongside creative, innovative and like-minded organizations to support watersheds and healthy ecosystems that benefit all who rely on them.
Collaborating to enhance water stewardship and biodiversity
Restoration at Cameron Prairie Refuge
With the support of Dow and other conservation partners, Ducks Unlimited enhanced approximately 2,030 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands between Cameron Prairie and Lacassine National Wildlife Refuges in Louisiana. The project included infrastructure features for better habitat management such as levee refurbishment, electric pumps, water-control structures, irrigation pipeline to reliably manage water between impoundments, and water delivery systems.
Collaborating to reconnect Loch Leven Island
Led by The Nature Conservancy, Dow contributed to the Loch Leven project which successfully reconnected Loch Leven Island to the Mississippi River floodplain by installing improved water control structures. This allows for the restored hydrology to the wetlands, improved water quality through sediment and nutrient reduction, and enhanced of the lands for wildlife habitat – contributing to the social and economic development of local communities – while providing billions of gallons of flood storage capacity.
Nature-based solution for Matarandiba Island
On Matarandiba Island, near Dow’s facility in Aratu, Brazil, a 24-meter-high slope was eroding and causing safety hazards. Seeking a nature-based solution, team stabilized the embankments using gabions made with natural fiber, stone and native vegetation. The reinforced vegetated slope is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 90 percent compared with conventional alternatives, such as removing the slopes or stabilizing them with concrete and tie-back anchors.
Biodiversity assessment reveals the benefits of eucalyptus farming
Dow collaborated with EcoMetrix Solutions Group and The Nature Conservancy to develop tools for assessing biodiversity to help businesses in Pará, Brazil make informed decisions that support business goals and ecological health. The project revealed that Dow’s eucalyptus plantations significantly improve biodiversity compared to the surrounding farmland through minimizing soil disturbance, carefully managing crop rotation and conserving natural corridors throughout the Dow Breu Branco site.
Mangrove forest conservation and restoration
For more than a decade, Dow Thailand volunteers have worked to protect and restore mangrove forests, which are crucial for coastal protection, water quality, and biodiversity. The Dow & Thailand Mangrove Alliance collaborates with local organizations to advance conservation efforts such as reforestation across approximately 2,000 acres.
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Related stories
Environmental stewardship projects
Valuing nature through environmental stewardship and sustainable watershed management.
Investing in nature-based solutions
Find out how the Loch Leven project contributes to flood prevention and resilience in the Mississippi River watershed.
Dow Volunteers Support Thailand’s Mangrove Forests
Volunteering at the core of a healthy mangrove forest in Thailand.
Ongoing partnerships in conservation
Ducks Unlimited
We have expanded our relationship with Ducks Unlimited, a world-leader in conservation. Together, we aim to restore habitat and enhance biodiversity through impactful planning and innovative solutions.
Rivers are Life
We are a founding member of Rivers are Life, a platform inspiring action to protect, conserve and explore the world’s rivers.
Dow’s water resilience index
Our next-generation water and nature strategy focuses on building water resilience for our sites and surrounding communities. Explore the factors we assess to understand water resilience.
2024 INtersections Progress Report: Discover how we continue to advance our ambition.