Expand access to safe water through community partnerships

Postobón, a leading beverage company in Colombia, faced challenges related to water scarcity and unequal access to safe drinking water in vulnerable communities, particularly near its production plants. Recognizing the importance of sustainable water management for both operations and society, the company developed a Water and Nature Management strategy with three pillars: efficient water use, resilience and adaptation to climate change, and water governance.

This strategy aligns with the company’s broader sustainability vision to safeguard ecosystems, enhance community well-being, and promote responsible water stewardship throughout its value chain.

Location of the Initiative: Colombia (nationwide, with key projects in Cauca, Bogotá, Antioquia, and Santander regions)

The company launched the “Liters that Help” (LQA) program in 2014, in partnership with the Postobón Foundation and the Colombian Red Cross. The program provides emergency and long-term drinking water access to vulnerable populations through infrastructure projects and community collaboration.

Over time, it evolved into a cornerstone of Postobón’s Water and Nature Management strategy, expanding from emergency response to long-term water security solutions.

Key actions include:

• Delivering bottled water during emergencies such as floods and droughts

• Installing and upgrading 63 drinking water systems, purification plants, and water storage tanks, directly benefiting more than 20,000 people

• Partnering with local utilities and municipalities, such as the Caloto Public Services Company (Empocaloto), to expand aqueduct capacity, enabling 24-hour water access for over 8,000 residents

• Engaging in watershed governance initiatives with water funds like Biocuenca, Agua Somos, and Cuenca Verde, supporting conservation and restoration efforts

Sustainability impact

Climate

While the program primarily addresses water access and governance, it indirectly contributes to climate adaptation and resilience. By restoring and conserving 29,484 hectares of key ecosystems and planting over 304,726 trees, it supports carbon sequestration and protects watersheds critical to climate regulation.

Nature

The initiative enhances biodiversity through conservation and restoration projects in strategic watersheds. Collaboration with organizations such as Corpopalo and the Río Palo Corporation has enabled the protection of habitats hosting species like the puma, ocelot, and the vulnerable Cabo de Hacha tree, strengthening local ecosystems.

Social

Social benefits are at the heart of the initiative. The program has:

• Provided 837,512 liters of safe water to 424,208 people

• Improved water security and public health

• Enabled continuous education in schools previously affected by lack of clean water

• Strengthened community capacity and governance for long-term resource management

Business Impact

Benefits

• Strengthened social license to operate and improved relationships with local communities.

• Enhanced operational resilience through improved watershed health.

• Reinforced corporate reputation as a responsible water steward, aligning with ESG commitments.

Costs

While financial details are undisclosed, investments primarily include infrastructure (storage tanks, purification systems), conservation projects, and community engagement programs. Costs are minimized through partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and water funds, leveraging co-financing and existing governance structures.

Typical Business Profile

This initiative is most relevant for companies:

• Operating in water-intensive sectors such as food and beverages

• Located in regions vulnerable to water scarcity

• Seeking to integrate social impact, ecosystem restoration, and water governance into sustainability strategies

Approach

1. Risk mapping: Identify and analyze watersheds that supply operational centers

2. Community engagement: Conduct participatory diagnostics to understand local water challenges

3. Collaborative planning: Define interventions (e.g., infrastructure, restoration, or governance)

4. Implementation: Deliver projects through partnerships with local organizations and authorities

5. Monitoring and evaluation: Track results on access, conservation, and capacity-building outcomes

Stakeholders Involved

• Project Leads: Postobón Sustainability Department and Postobón Foundation

• Partners: Colombian Red Cross, Empocaloto, local governments, and community associations

• Supporting Organizations: Water funds (Biocuenca, Agua Somos, Cuenca Verde), Corpopalo, and Río Palo Corporation

Key Parameters to Consider

• Initiative maturity: Established and scalable across regions

• Implementation timeline: Ongoing since 2014 with continuous expansion

• Average lifetime: Long-term with permanent community oversight

• Technical prerequisites: Local water infrastructure, stakeholder coordination

• Subsidies/Support: Co-financing through partnerships and funds

Implementation and Operations Tips

• Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration early to ensure long-term ownership

• Integrate social and environmental objectives to enhance resilience

• Continuously monitor watershed health and adapt actions accordingly

• Engage local communities in decision-making to build trust and sustain outcomes