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Pharma giant GSK has launched a multi-year alliance with WWF to revive and safeguard critical water resources in India’s Sutlej River Basin and Pakistan’s Indus Delta, tackling the escalating degradation of freshwater ecosystems.
The Indus River Basin—a vital artery for millions—faces an escalating crisis. Water scarcity threatens agriculture, industry, and everyday life, pushing ecosystems to the brink. In response, WWF and GSK have launched an ambitious initiative to restore 300,000 cubic meters of water while improving access for 100,000 people by 2030.
GSK operates three manufacturing sites and sources materials from suppliers in the region. By the decade's end, it is committed to achieving water neutrality across its operations in water-stressed areas. The same goal extends to key suppliers as part of a broader, science-backed freshwater strategy.
But restoration isn’t just about numbers—it’s about survival. The WWF-GSK partnership goes beyond replenishment, working to revive freshwater habitats, stabilize endangered species, and promote sustainable water use across farms, communities, and industries. In flood-prone areas, early warning systems will help mitigate disaster risks.
The Bigger Picture: A Global Water Crisis
Freshwater ecosystems are collapsing. Since 1970, global freshwater wildlife populations have plummeted by 85%, a staggering decline that underscores the urgency of conservation. Aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this initiative is part of a global effort to protect 30% of the world’s freshwater, land, and ocean ecosystems by 2030.
GSK’s global supply chain president, Regis Simard, said: “We’re delighted to be working with WWF to help drive positive change in water-stressed regions in India and Pakistan where we have manufacturing sites and where many of our key suppliers are located.
“By ensuring a sustainable water supply, we can continue to develop and deliver medicines and vaccines that prevent and change the course of disease. Collaborating with partners within and outside of our sector is crucial to achieve our ambitious nature goals, including on freshwater.”
Meanwhile, new research from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and McKinsey & Company paints a grim picture of water scarcity’s economic toll. According to the World Bank, 60% of global GDP relies on water and freshwater ecosystems, yet extreme weather patterns—fueled by climate change—disrupt supply chains and leave entire populations vulnerable.
The numbers are sobering:
500 million people currently endure excessive rainfall, while 163 million face severe drought.
By 2050, up to six billion people—over half the world’s population—could live in water-stressed areas.
Water-related supply chain risks put $77 billion at stake, especially in manufacturing and food production.
By 2030, global water demand will outstrip supply by 40%, creating severe economic fallout.
Economic losses from water-driven disasters could soar to $200 billion annually by 2034, with worst-case scenarios reaching $350 billion.
A Call for Action: Resilience Over Crisis
If water is life, then policy must be its protector. Experts warn that shortages will continue to disrupt economies and destabilize communities without sweeping reforms. The solution lies in rethinking water’s value, fostering collaboration across industries, and designing governance models that adapt to an unpredictable climate.
The fight for water security isn’t just about avoiding disaster—it’s about ensuring a future where rivers continue flowing, crops grow, and communities thrive. The choice is clear: act now or risk a world where water becomes the scarcest currency.