A water restoration project led by Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. in Ayutthaya has won two international sustainability awards and been officially recognised as a conservation site in Thailand, the company said.
The “Nestlé Waters Cares for Water” project at Khanom Jeen Canal in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province received an award in the Water, Waste and Resource Efficiency category at the edie Awards, a major sustainability programme in the United Kingdom. It also earned a Highly Commended distinction in the SDG Pioneer Award category at the Reuters Global Sustainability Awards 2025.
The project focuses on improving water quality, restoring biodiversity and supporting local communities. According to Nestlé, the canal has seen the return of more than 40 bird species, along with various native fish and invertebrates, following restoration efforts.
In addition to the awards, the canal has been certified by Thailand’s Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning as an Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) site, recognising its role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.
Chaiyong Sakulborrirug, head of Nestlé’s water business unit in Thailand, said the achievements reflect long-term cooperation between the private sector, government agencies, academic institutions and local communities.
He said the project has significantly improved water quality in the canal, allowing residents to resume traditional activities such as fishing and aquatic farming, while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative also contributes to Nestlé’s broader goal of water regeneration, aiming to return water used in its operations back to nature and surrounding communities.