The world is facing growing risks to water, issues such as water scarcity and pollution are in the news every day. Communities are concerned about the loss of ecosystems and cultural areas, about access to water and the provision of sanitation services. The International Sustainable Water Management standards and certifications developed by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) have been initially implemented in China's food and beverage, textile, and microelectronics industries, and the standards may also promote the solution of watershed problems, cooperation and the transformation of a course action. On October 24th, the International Sustainable Water Management Standards Practice and Policy Seminar was held by Law School of Tianjin University. The themes of the seminar included: (1) the feasibility of promoting the application of AWS’s Sustainable Water Management System (SWMS) in China, (2) the impact of the promotion of SWMS on China's environmental policies, environmental management and environmental law, (3) China’s response to the SWMS. The seminar is co-sponsored by the Law School of Tianjin University, the Green Development Research Institute of Tianjin University, the Business Law and Taxation School of Monash University. 

Professor Sun Youhai, Dean of the Tianjin University Law School, Professor Wang Mingyuan of the Tsinghua University Law School, Vice President of Environmental Resources Law Society of China Law Society, Professor Chen Weidong of the Tianjin University Management and Economics Department, Wei Hongmei, Chief Engineer of the Tianjin Development Zone Environmental Protection Bureau, Professor Niu Zhiguang of the Tianjin University Environmental Science and Engineering School, Professor Dan Guttman of the Tianjin University Law School, Associate Professor Lan Lan, Associate Dean of the Tianjin University Law School, Chen Xuemin, Shi Chen, Tan Shan, Wang Leifan, Ph.D., of the Tianjin University Law School, Michael Spencer, Monash University researcher, Xu Zhenzhen, the Asia Pacific Regional Manager of Chi Zhi Environmental Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Ge Chang, Project commissioner of Chi Zhi Environmental Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Hu Kehua, Director of Sustainable Development Cooperation in the Social Responsibility Office of the China National Textile And Apparel Council (CNTAC), Huang Yaxian, Project manager of the Green Park Research Institute, and Yu Xiao, Lecturer of East China Normal University, attended the seminar. 

Professor Sun Youhai pointed out that the content of the AWS sustainable water management system is realistic, forward-looking and scientific, and has a leading role in society. Water environmental management should combine morality with the rule of law. Specific recommendations include the collection of case studies, government support, and government documents and legal confirmation. 

The meeting was presided over by Professor Wang Mingyuan. 

Associate Dean Lan Lan gave a welcome speech. 

Director Xu Zhenzhen introduced the AWS International Sustainable Water Management Standards and the specific cases about the promotion and application of relevant enterprises in Kunshan and Tianjin. 

Mr. Michael Spencer introduced the company's questionnaire survey on AWS International Sustainable Water Management Standards. 

The experts and scholars held a lively discussion at the meeting. 

By: Tan Shan

Photo: Wang Cao

Editor: Qin Mian and Keith Harrington