As UK rivers reach exceptionally low levels during heatwaves and drought warnings, water security risks impact households, farmers and businesses, highlighting the importance of local water stewardship and community engagement. Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I has committed to water conservation through its “Achieving Water Security” environmental principle, hosting “Mizuiku water engagement programmed” workshops over three years to educate the public about water security and the critical link between rivers and nature.
Mizuiku, meaning water education in Japanese, was launched by Suntory Holdings in 2004 to teach younger generations about water sources and forest significance. Starting in Japan, the programmed has expanded to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, France, China, Spain and the UK with tailored initiatives. Since 2004, Suntory’s water programmes have reached 710,000 people with education and provided safe water access to 360,000 people, achieving its initial one million target in 2023. The company aims to reach over five million people globally by 2030.
The UK programme focuses on ‘The Outdoor School of Forest and Water’ through free, family-friendly workshops providing hands-on experiences about natural water sources. Run with Severn Rivers Trust, sessions cover the water cycle, river pollution impacts, local water problems, and water-linked ecosystems. This year, events occurred at five River Severn locations, including Alney Island Nature Reserve near Suntory’s Coleford factory, with over 1,110 attendees in 2025.
Suntory Beverage and Food Europe aims to expand Mizuiku across Europe, targeting 100,000 people by 2030, believing education and partnerships are vital for protecting water resources amid accelerating climate challenges.
