Bavaria | World Engineering Day

Water conservation

The team at Bavaria, one of Colombia’s most iconic breweries, knows that water is more than just a key ingredient in its beers, it is the foundation of life itself. Consequently, Bavaria is driven in its mission to protect South America’s unique páramos.

These high-altitude wetlands sit between 2,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, and are crucial for much of the region’s water supply serving 40 million people. In Colombia, this precious ecosystem provides up to 70% of the country’s fresh water – including the water for Bavaria’s brewing processes.

The company recognizes the importance of saving this natural resource to secure a sustainable future for people and the environment. And through programs in nature conservation, it is taking practical steps to help local communities protect their land.

Community first

At the heart of Bavaria’s mission is a focus on community. Through ongoing partnerships with local communities, as well as conservation organizations and other stakeholders, Bavaria ensures that those who rely on the páramos are integral to its preservation.

By prioritizing local involvement and fostering collaboration, the company is not only making strides in environmental conservation but empowering communities to take ownership of their future.

“We understand that we are part of an ecosystem and that our company cannot exist without a healthy environment, prosperous communities, and robust supply chain,” says Samira Fadul, Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Bavaria.

Where in the world?

Bavaria’s headquarters is in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, but its breweries and associated facilities are found across the country in different cities, including Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Tibasosa, Medellín, Tocancipá, and Yumbo. Around 4,000 people work for the brewery and tens of thousands are indirectly employed.

Bringing back the forest

With its operations relying directly on the health of the páramos, Bavaria’s sustainability programs take place where they are needed most. Projects include the restoration of degraded lands where trees and plants have been chopped down to make way for activities such as cattle farming and agriculture.

Through direct action, ranging from providing trees to training farmers to promote sustainable farming practices, many of these areas are now thriving. Above all, farmers learn to plant native species, as these are the ones that sustain the water.

What does a sustainable future look like?

Bavaria’s work towards responsible practice – the preservation of ecosystems and their water sources – is in alignment with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

In addition, the company’s focus on environmental stewardship is providing a sustainable future for the farmers of the páramos and their communities. “The water that is being produced in our reserve benefits around 200 to 300 families,” says the owner of a reserve in Guasca who has worked with Bavaria on a conservation project to restore his family’s land.