Mainstreaming the Topic of Biodiversity in Corporate Sustainability Management - Experience and Recommendations from the 'Biodiversity in Good ...
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Mainstreaming the Topic of Biodiversity in Corporate Sustainability Management Experience and Recommendations from the ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’ Initiative
©Arigatou Gozaimasu /Shutterstock
O ur natural capital is under pressure: the loss of
biodiversity is continuing at alarming speed – with
regionally very strongly differentiated consequences.
worldwide in 2015. The interim balances conclude
that the targets set so far will be missed by a long way
if much more ambitious steps are not implemented.
tioning ecosystems in all critical sectors and policies –
is therefore the topic of the 13th Conference of the
Parties to the CBD in December 2016 in Cancún, Mexico.
particular, we call on companies to integrate biodi-
versity within their business activities and actions, and
to provide an insight into success factors, as well as
This is associated with high risks because human well- challenges in their effective realisation.
One of the reasons: Unlike other political, societal and Businesses are indispensable players in all sectors, and
being is existentially reliant on intact ecosystems. Bio-
business interests, biodiversity goals still frequently have must help find solutions within their scopes of action.
logical diversity is both part of our “natural capital” as
little clout in evaluation and decision making processes. Mainstreaming is therefore also important in compa- The ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’ Initiative was
well as the prerequisite for numerous ecosystem services.
This concerns basic questions of policy development nies and industry decision-making processes. What founded in 2008 as a pan-sectoral excellence initiative
The current strategies for the preservation and sustain- and control in a number of policy areas: such as prerequisites and agendas need to be set for this of companies committed to the preservation and sus-
able use of biodiversity on a national and international agriculture and forestry, future housing and transport mobilisation to succeed? As the ‘Biodiversity in Good tainable use of biodiversity as part of their corporate
level are aimed at the year 2020. Within the frame- development, energy and climate policy, resource Company’ Initiative, we are using CBD-COP 13 as a strategies. The aim is to raise the awareness of busi-
work of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and raw materials strategies, marine policy, and the trigger to compile our experience and recommen- nesses and industry as a whole for their responsibility,
the international community agreed on a strategic financing of global nature conservation and biodiver- dations. We focus our attention on decision makers in and to strengthen biodiversity as a management
plan and 20 objectives in 2010: the Aichi Targets. sity protection. “Mainstreaming biodiversity” – taking companies, politics and society who play a part in issue. We speak from the perspective of companies
A number of important half-life evaluations took place into consideration the values of biodiversity and func- reaching the ambitious Aichi targets in joint efforts. In working in the industrial, trading and service sectors.
2 | Introduction Introduction | 3
At a glance: Summary Our core beliefs
As the ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’ Initiative, our Political support for corporate action Progressing by setting a good example dialogue with all societal stakeholders. In particular,
ambition is to raise the awareness of companies for the we want to set good examples ourselves and motivate
Political decision makers can integrate business players
importance of biological diversity world-wide. Against The ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’ Initiative forms a other companies to join in. The objectives can only be
more specifically than at present. The national and
the background of CBD-COP 13, we have summarised cross-section through a number of sectors, and stands achieved through joint innovations and investments.
international biodiversity targets can only be achieved
our view of how this topic can be advanced further. for the message that the protection and sustainable Via their activities, companies can play a part in raising
by mainstreaming biodiversity via the integration of
use of biodiversity is of existential importance, and awareness externally and internally, and can roll out a
Our work is based on the core beliefs, which biodiversity targets in sector policies. The willingness
that businesses must play their part in safeguarding comprehensive process of promoting awareness and
we wish to pursue by setting good examples and in of downstream sectors to make the necessary moves is
biodiversity. Industry shares responsibility for the rapid the self-regulation of industry. As members of the
recognition of the planetary limits – because nature influenced by whether these sectors recognize a political
disappearance of biological diversity, but also has ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’ Initiative, we voluntarily
conservation demands action beyond the boundaries will to act by taking effective measures in key sectors,
the potential to develop and implement effective take on responsibility as front runners, and have signed
of protected areas. We wish to strengthen biodiversity such as agriculture. New legal possibilities for „temporary
measures to stop this effect. We actively take part in a Leadership Declaration on biodiversity:
as a management topic, taking into consideration the nature” could also open up new potential. In addition,
whole value chain, and set the course for sustainable public procurement is another strong lever at the
consumption. disposal of policy makers.
We share our experience and estimates of what Make visible and honour the value
Leadership Declaration
has been achieved so far: of natural life support systems
All signatory companies acknowledge and support the three objectives
The breadth of the debate has helped raise the aware-
It makes sense to get across the biodiversity targets using of the international “Convention on Biological Diversity”:
ness of the problems and increased the willingness of
the natural capital and ecosystem services approach,
industry to act. Unlike only a few years ago, compa-
and to use these arguments to strengthen the targets. • Conservation of biological diversity
nies are now better able to understand which parts of
their business activities they have to address in terms
The „valorisation“ of biological diversity should be • Sustainable use of its components
intensified at a macroeconomic and corporate level. • Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits that arise
of biodiversity management in order to make a diffe-
Changing direction could be speeded up significantly out of the utilization of genetic resources.
rence. Land use along the whole supply chain has
by more signals coming from the financial sector.
been identified as a key factor here, and therefore
needs to be considered as a priority as a cause of the and commit themselves to:
loss of biodiversity. However, the absence of valorisa- Improved data availability and
decision-making expertise 1. Analyzing corporate activities with regard to their impacts on biological diversity;
tion and incentives, as well as gaps in knowledge and
databases, are a hindrance, and limit the room for Collecting data and making it accessible is still a 2. Including the protection of biological diversity within their environmental management system;
manoeuvre in companies as well. challenge. Investments in science and research should
3. Appointing a responsible individual within the company to steer all activities in the
foster risk and consequences research, and distributing
Our recommendations for mainstreaming the biodiversity sector and report to the Management Board;
the findings in an appropriate way for the target
topic of biological diversity in the business sector:
groups. In addition, better interfaces are required 4. Defining realistic, measurable objectives that are monitored and adjusted
More business self-initiative is possible and necessary to express the scientific findings on biological diversity every two to three years;
so that they are more easily understandable, and help
This involves integrating biodiversity within sustainability 5. Publishing activities and achievements in the biodiversity sector in the company’s annual,
politicians and company representatives to make better
management, communications and reporting, and to environmental, and/or corporate social responsibility report;
informed decisions.
play a bigger role in societal and political dialogue.
6. Informing suppliers about the company’s biodiversity objectives and integrating
Business associations should make use of their oppor-
Strengthen biodiversity as a topic of more suppliers accordingly and step by step;
tunities to act as multipliers. Many sectors have direct
comprehensive sustainable development
and indirect influences. Sector-specific approaches are 7. Exploring the potential for cooperation with scientific institutions, non-governmental
required. Joint activity is needed to establish a better The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides organizations (NGOs) and/or governmental institutions with the aim of deepening dialogue and
knowledge base, good practise and standards along an excellent opportunity of seeing biodiversity even continuously improving the corporate management system vis-à-vis the biodiversity domain.
the whole of each value chain. Despite the enormous more strongly within the overall context of sustainable
complexity of the challenges involved, there are still development, and therefore to also reach economic To demonstrate ongoing commitment, member companies will provide the Initiative with a
numerous opportunities for low-level action, as well players more intensely than today. This requires open- progress report every two years. Have a look at the member companies‘ progress reports under
as many means of becoming socially involved. ness for a critical look at consumption and lifestyles. http://www.business-and-biodiversity.de/en/about-us/members/progress-reports/
4 | Summary Our core beliefs | 5
© Atropos Images/Fotolia © srckomkrit /Fotolia
Accepting planetary limits
Our understanding of sustainability includes accepting
Strengthening management
and taking into consideration Where we stand:
planetary limits. Economic and social targets for
sustainable development and productivity can only be
the whole value chain
It is crucial for industry and each economic sector to
Experience and progress so far
achieved within the limits of the ecological capacity of develop their own management approaches, and
the earth. Ecosystems are efficient and adaptable, but measurement and control instruments, to enable The awareness and willingness of The efforts involved in protecting biological diversity are
there is a limit to what they can tolerate. The innovative companies to make an effective contribution to the business to act have grown closely associated with strategies to preserve natural
power of businesses is indispensable in the search protection of biodiversity. The aim here is to apply the capital and ecosystem services. The ecosystem services
Many developments reveal a growing awareness of
for new solutions for sustainable consumption and leverage available at the locations as well as within approach has proven to be an important argument
the problem that something must be done to reduce
production patterns. the value chains. Beyond taking action in the business for winning over hearts and minds. It embodies the
the pressure on natural life support systems. Nature
models, companies can support nature conservation perspectives of human wellbeing as well as economic
and species conservation has already been a relevant
Taking action beyond protected areas projects in a wide variety of ways as part of their social benefits. High levels of biodiversity are an important
topic for many decades in some sectors, such as the
commitment. prerequisite for the effectiveness and resilience of nature.
More than 80 % of the earth’s surface does not enjoy pit & quarry industry. Since the CBD conferences in
protected area status, and this situation is very likely Germany (2008) and Japan (2010, strategic plan The issue needs a great deal of staying power because
Strengthening sustainable
to remain unchanged in future as well. Biodiversity adoption), as well as the CBD obligations for national its many facets make it difficult to become incorporated
consumption
can only be effectively preserved when the room for biodiversity strategies, there has been a much more within business processes. But the first buds of success
manoeuvre of industry and society in all the “normal We hope and trust in a growing demand from con- intense dialogue with and within industry. National and are already visible: via public relations measures – in which
areas” has been harnessed to the full. This involves sumers for sustainable, biodiversity-friendly products international platforms have been created: such as the we also play a part as a network – many sectors are
sustainable land use in all land forms, limits to emis- and services. We want to play a part in establishing ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’ Initiative; the German increasingly looking at their roles. A crucial success
sions, more efficiency and effectivity in the utilisation frameworks for promoting more sustainable consump- business association platform “Enterprise Biological factor is customised and convincing information which
of raw materials and natural resources – e. g. within a tion, and are ambitious about developing an attractive Diversity 2020” (UBi 2020); the EU Business@Biodiversity elaborates the relevance for a company’s own business
recycling economy – and treating nature in an environ- range of products and services. Platform; and the CBD Global Partnership for Business model – a business case – and highlights what companies
mentally-friendly manner overall. and Biodiversity. can do specifically within their own sectors.
6 | Our core beliefs Where we stand | 7
The options for companies to take to tackle the threats to biodiversity. In other words, to The room to manoeuvre is limited by remains open however, to what extent the knowledge
action in the cross-cutting issue that is reduce known negative influences on biological diversity, the lack of valuations and incentives which has been gained will become really effective
biodiversity are better understood and / or to strengthen the positive effects. in future as regards the development of legislation,
Where the productivity of nature is used, it is often the business standards, and planning approaches, as well
Biodiversity is species diversity, habitat diversity, genetic Via the approaches they take, the member companies of so-called provisioning services of ecosystems – nature as taxation and other incentives.
diversity – nature with all of its intrinsic dynamics. ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’ exemplarily demonstrate as a provider of nutrition, energy and raw materials –
Significant progress has been made in recent years in how to address their individual material issues and that are prioritised at the expense of other ecosystem
Pro-nature investment decisions need
presenting these complex challenges to make them areas of action – paying tribute to direct and indirect services. Supporting services (e.g. soil formation, nutrient
good knowledge and databases
more understandable for businesses, to break them down influences, dependencies, opportunities and risks. The cycles), regulation services (e.g. for climate, air, water
into practical approaches which can be implemented, expertise on how the cross-cutting issue of biodiversity balances), and cultural services (leisure function, No one disputes the huge gaps in our knowledge
and thus to integrate them within sustainability man- can be embedded in environmental and sustainability aesthetic aspects) are often public goods. As such, about the valuation, functional relationships, status
agement. management has grown significantly, without it having they cannot be traded on markets, have no price, and and trends of biological diversity – and particularly also
been standardised however – insofar as standardisation thus are undervalued both in terms of their economic the consequences of its loss. Analogous to climate
A crucial factor here has been to more clearly highlight
is even possible given the individual nature of the benefits, as well as for their significance for human change, many risks are difficult to calculate, such as the
the cross-cutting character of „biodiversity as a man-
conditions involved in each case. The periodic, publicly wellbeing. The consequences are external effects: reaching of so-called tipping points which mark the start
agement topic“. It has also been clearly demonstrated
accessible progress reports issued by the companies ecological damage which is not costed into decisions, of the irreversible disruption of ecological systems.
that biodiversity cannot be visualised in simple input-out-
provide an insight into the solutions, parallels and so that prices do not speak the “ecological truth”. There
put metrics for corporate management, and in the Where there is uncertainty about the significance of
differences. is a disparity between private and social costs and
same way, cannot be reflected by a single metric or the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services for
benefits, or they are not considered in their shared
control parameter. human wellbeing, this obviously makes decision making
Land utilisation along the value chain context. From an overall economic perspective, state
on investments in the sense of “ecological insurance”
In reality, it involves a mix of approaches covering identified as a key factor intervention is required if the failure of the markets
more difficult. The intrinsic values of nature are often
environmental and climate protection, combined with is to be eradicated with respect to the provision of
Biodiversity requires space and habitats, and is not strong enough as an argument. The willingness to
other nature protection measures in the form of habitat public goods.
threatened by the deterioration and fragmentation of pay in the short term for a benefit whose probability
conservation (as well as habitat re-establishment or
these habitats. Area use, the high pressures on land, Companies as well can only harness the maximum is uncertain, and which lies in the future, is restricted.
even multiplication). This mix is used to tackle the five
and global soil and land use patterns (e. g. intensive room for manoeuvre for sustainable development that An important aspect here is that when nature is harmed,
main causes of the loss of biodiversity:
agriculture, monocultures, certain types of natural competitive and market conditions allow. Enabling the beneficiaries and sufferers are often not identical.
• Destruction / disruption of habitats resource extraction, etc.) are extremely significant for the the external costs of the decline in biodiversity to be
The companies in the ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’
(by changed use of land and water) “biodiversity footprint” of companies in many sectors. incorporated in overall political decisions, as well as in
Initiative consider it to be prudent to act according
• Environmental pollution the costings of individual businesses, requires the
This is the reason why – in addition to the land swallowed to the precautionary principle, even when there are
(emissions, nutrient immissions …) existence of adequate incentives which honour this
up by human settlements and transport – the produc- uncertainties involved, because this is necessary when
accordingly, and also legal minimum standards to
• Climate change dealing with many complex situations. Moreover,
tion of natural resources in the primary sector, and avoid competitive distortion. High utilisation and target
• Overexploitation of natural resources particularly in agriculture, is in the centre of attention. adequate information is available in many cases to
conflicts can only be resolved by value judgements
• Spread of invasive non-endemic species. The strategies of companies, as well as policy makers, differentiate in principle between good practise and
from society as a whole, which define the direction to
are increasingly focusing on pulling these levers. not such good practise. Nevertheless, companies alone
be taken, and the existence of coherent political
The actual measures which are ultimately of importance cannot develop the scientific basis and overriding
frameworks.
vary from sector to sector. Biodiversity also necessitates For those businesses working in the industrial, trading protection goals needed for the necessary regionally
spatially-differentiated action. The complexity of many or service sectors, which not do primarily use land The international and national TEEB studies (The differentiated measures, nor is it their responsibility to
global supply chains means that when companies themselves, biodiversity is mainly a challenge within Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) have compensate for the general data shortages.
configure their measures, they can only in a few the context of their supply chains. They are increas- contributed to making the benefits of biodiversity and
instances evaluate the biodiversity in the specific ingly analysing their value and supply chains, and certain ecosystem services, as well as the costs of their
location, and identify the specific interactions with configuring the measures along the context of the loss, more visible economically. The Intergovernmental
their own business activities. The most practical approach raw materials and natural resources they require, e. g. Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem
is therefore often to use existing data and research in by supporting sustainable land use by using and Services (IPBES) established in 2013, is also a step on
collaboration with partners along the supply chains, promoting certificates and standards. the path to more knowledgeable decision making. It
8 | Where we stand Where we stand | 9
Do better – recommendations for chains. Alliances along these value chains are required
for effective action: companies acknowledge respon-
Using the opportunities of
low-level measures
sibility in the supply chain when they take an interest
mainstreaming the topic of biological in what happens during primary production in the
fields, in the woods, in the quarries, and in the waters
The question of feasibility and resources is an issue for
small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in particular.
diversity in business – and work towards biodiversity-friendly production
conditions within the bounds of their possibilities.
Moreover, they only have limited ability to exert an
effective influence, especially along the supply chains.
Nevertheless, low-level measures exist, and this applies
Businesses should also seek access to this issue for
to SMEs just as much as it does to large companies.
their own benefits as well. The key aspect in this
To more intensely anchor the needs of biodiversity and the valuation of natural capital Instead of launching a comprehensive strategy, com-
context is analysing the company’s own risks and its
into business decision-making processes, it is necessary for initiatives promoted by industry panies can enter at a low level with specific aspects,
dependency on natural capital. Ideally it may also be
to mesh more tightly with the conditions created by policy makers and society overall: e. g. by focusing on possible influences on biodiversity
possible to elaborate concrete economic benefits.
hot spots, protected areas, particularly valuable habi-
tats, and protected species. Entry is also possible on a
Better knowledge base, establishing company’s own premises. And when it comes to the
good practise and standards influence on the supply chain, it is often possible to
1 More proactive initiative from business is possible and necessary Exchanging knowledge in sectors and along value
identify particularly critical natural resources, if not
obvious anyway, by a screening of procurement data.
chains plays a key role. More knowledge transfer and
Integrating biodiversity in sustain- diversity and ecosystem services, and make clear how bundling are required for the scaling of tried-and-test-
Grasp opportunities for
ability management, communication closely these are associated with economic welfare ed methods and measures. The development of good
social involvement
and reporting and human wellbeing. practise, and ideally, also suitable indicators for various
natural resources and types of land use are priorities Social involvement for nature conservation is not a sub-
The preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity here. However, most players are still right at the start stitution for acting responsibly in one’s core business
Mobilising business
should be a firm part of the core business, communi- of their learning curves, and standardised indicators are activity, but it does supplement it effectively. Protecting
associations as multipliers
cation with consumers and other stakeholders, as well difficult to develop. Incentives to motivate individual nature, biodiversity and individual ecosystems costs
as the reporting of all companies where it has a signifi- In their role as multipliers, business associations are an companies to proceed voluntarily are largely absent. money, which is not available from the public purse
cant influence. Biodiversity is best understood here as important engine for competence development and This is why the associations also have an important alone. Support from businesses in the private sector
a cross-cutting issue. It encompasses measures involving raising general awareness of sector commitments. It supporting function here as well. Amongst other therefore often makes a valuable contribution to
environmental and climate protection, combined with is time for the associations to become more involved things, they can help speed up the transport of the financing, and can even be essential to make projects
special nature conservation measures aimed at conserv- in the national and international biodiversity goals findings from research projects in the various sectors viable in the first place, even though this should not
ing or improving habitats, as well as the sustainable and to support their members in the elaboration and to the grass roots. diminish the responsibility of the state.
use of natural resources. Identifying the main issues in implementation of respective strategies, for instance
each case by way of a materiality analysis is a company by establishing platforms for information and show-
and sector-specific job. The importance of preserving casing projects.
natural life support systems needs to be understood as
a key argument for ambitious environmental protection. Recognising pan-sectoral 2 Political support for corporate action
responsibility – sector-specific action
Engaging in social and political dialogue
Sectors which have a direct impact on landscapes and Integrating business players Biological Diversity 2020” in Germany, offer numerous
Various decisions on the topic of “Business Engage- habitats themselves, mainly primary industry, have a in a target-group-centric way approaches for actively incorporating businesses and
ment” within the CBD speak directly to industry as a direct influence on biodiversity. In the case of all other sectors in their implementation, and to benefit from
key player. Business should be involved in the dialogue companies, the main challenges are found in the To harness the potential of corporate action, companies their innovation potential and power to get things done.
more intensively than it has been in the past, and help supply chains. This means that their responsibility is need to have a good understanding of what overall All of the parties to the CBD should harness these possi-
establish or use the platforms required for this purpose. connected to that of the primary sector – because the political objectives specifically mean for their own areas bilities, and also sustainably support the Global Partner-
The United Nations’ new Sustainable Development impact on the natural world arises from the production of influence and contributions. CBD, as well as national ship for Business and Biodiversity, whose establishment
Goals (SDGs) underline the CBD’s objectives on bio- of natural resources and services in the various value programmes and strategies, for example “Enterprise was agreed at the CBD-COP 10 in Japan in 2010.
10 | Recommendations Recommendations | 11
Integrating biodiversity goals Implement and dynamically further 3 You can’t manage what you can’t measure:
within sector policies develop nature conservation law –
enable “temporary nature” highlighting and honouring the value of natural life
Mainstreaming at a policy-making level is an expression
of the political will to preserve natural life support Ambitious and modern nature conservation legislation,
support systems
systems, and therefore also a catalyst for mainstreaming which is further developed and successfully imple-
in business. Biodiversity policies should not be the sole mented, forms the political backbone to achieving the
Getting across and strengthening and national TEEB studies, as well as initiatives such as
responsibility of environmental ministries, but be pro- biodiversity goals. The challenges vary from country to
biodiversity goals with the natural capital the further development of the agreed methodology
moted by governments as a whole. Whether and how country. In the case of the EU, a so-called fitness check
and ecosystem services approach of the German Federal Environmental Agency for esti-
biodiversity goals are to be achieved depends on leg- of the EU nature conservation directives has again led
mating environmental costs, pursue the objective of
islation and incentives in many areas of policy-making to a more intense discussion on implementation deficits The concept of ecosystem services incorporates an recognising the value of the numerous services pro-
outside of special environmental and nature conservation as well as practical application problems – particularly anthropocentric perspective oriented to the wellbeing vided by nature. The results provide information which
policies. The key areas are policies covering agriculture, with respect to construction projects and approval of people. There are many interactions between bio- is also important for industry, and should be devel-
energy and climate, waters, housing and transport, processes. A “permanent conservationist” attitude in logical diversity and the capacity of nature to provide oped further. Primarily, however, it is essential for the
trade, and consumer protection, as well as public pro- nature protection, focused on preserving the status the ecosystem services so important for human life: results to flow into the institutions, and become part
curement and public land management. This is where quo, sometimes restricts voluntary commitments to preserving biodiversity does not mean the same thing of overall government policy making. We support the
the crucial ecological and economical agendas are set. biodiversity and effective nature conservation. This is as preserving useful ecosystem services; however, a high broad understanding of valuation within the frame-
The incorporation of biodiversity goals in these policy- because the, in some cases, very valuable “temporary degree of biodiversity does also favour ecosystem work of the TEEB approach, which is against “com-
making areas, as well as in pan-departmental and sectoral nature” on land which may be destined to become services in many instances. The ecosystem service moditisation”, and considering nature in pure mone-
action, is fundamental for highlighting the relevance of building land again in future, is hindered by the sta- approach makes people appreciate the value of natural tary terms. Market mechanisms alone are inappropriate
biodiversity for business players, and firmly anchoring it tutory biotope protection, and particularly species capital. This has also proven to be extremely illuminating to assess the value of previously public goods.
in place on the operational side. This includes good protection, enshrined in EU and German law. Legally for businesses in order to create awareness of their
co-operation between the ministries, joint administrative watertight solutions for “temporary nature” would dependency on natural living conditions. We are there-
action, and integrated incentive approaches. increase the willingness to undertake voluntary commit- fore in favour of greater argumentation via the natural Further promoting valuation
ments, e.g. on company premises, and other large plots capital and ecosystem services approach, without in any at a business level
Demonstrate willingness to act and of land, where habitats can only be actively created in way questioning the intrinsic value of nature itself. Analogous to the macro-economic assessment, ap-
setting an example in key sectors the first place by corporate commitment and action.
proaches have to be further developed at the business
Further promoting valuation
The biodiversity crisis in agriculture in particular, and the level, to enable ecological values to be assessed more
Integrating the promotion of biodiversity at a macro-economic level
consequences of landscape impoverishment, cannot accurately. Sustainable companies are interested in a
in public sector procurement
be compensated for by the efforts undertaken in other A successful instrument for valorisation was established realistic estimate of societal costs. There are numerous
sectors. More than a third of the earth’s surface is With its procurement – in addition to the management many decades ago in Germany with the intervention methods for natural capital accounting, but many of
used for agricultural purposes, whilst around half of opportunities of public land – the public sector has regulation (impact mitigation regulation) pursuant to them are still at a very early stage of development.
Germany’s land area is used for agriculture. When it enormous leverage, and can use this to act as a role the Federal Nature Protection Act, with the aim of Their practicability, benefits, financeability, and the
comes to the topic of biodiversity, seeing that the model. In this way it could honour products and services maintaining the effectiveness and proper functioning broadness of their impact, still have to be proven. One
frontline sectors are willing to take action is particularly which are provided in a biodiversity-friendly way, of ecosystems, and protecting characteristic landscapes. major hurdle is the availability of data, particularly
important for raising the awareness of the responsibility or which are incorporated in the provision of public In other contexts, however, the interests in the also with respect to primary data along the value
of sectors which stand in the second or third rows. goods. Integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services conservation of nature and biodiversity often take a chains, on which to base reliable assessments and the
Fundamental changes and ecologicalisation measu- in sustainable public sector procurement practices is backseat in concrete evaluation and decision-making quantification of complex environmental effects. We
res in conventional agriculture, and strengthening an important step to move sustainable consumption situations. Uncertain predictions about what will welcome that industry has brought forward initiatives
organic farming, have a high priority. This also involves out of its niche and into the mainstream. This would happen in future compete with concrete immediately- to test and further develop the approaches for natural
developing a new culture of co-operation between also highlight which goals are sought after by society effective interests and clearly calculable costs – a classic capital accounting. These include collaborations such
agriculture and nature conservation, and establishing as a whole. However, we also see that there are serious sustainability problem. Long-term environmental and as the Natural Capital Coalition with its “Natural
trust, to solve conflicts of interest between land use methodological challenges involved here to establish costs concerning society as a whole are inadequately Capital Protocol” project; the elaboration of an ISO
and nature conservation. fair and transparent processes. incorporated in decision making. The international 14.008 “Monetary valuation of environmental impacts
12 | Recommendations Recommendations | 13
from specific emissions and use of natural resources“; financial sector considers the loss of biodiversity and Improve the transfer of An important milestone here is the establishment of
as well as the commitment of pioneering companies. It other natural capital as a risk which has a negative research – edit the knowledge the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on
is important here to match the degree of detail required impact on it, this will be reflected in capital costs, and for decision makers Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in 2013, as
in each case with the specific effort involved, and to the valuation of credit risks, and will therefore have an international, intergovernmental institution for knowl-
find a course which is efficient as well as targeted. a crucial impact on the business models, investment To increase the social relevance of the research, it is edge generation, the execution of assessments, political
The impact here has priority over detailed knowledge. decisions and risk management of its clients. The sector necessary to have better interfaces for the target- assistance and the build-up of capacities. Processes of
is increasingly looking at the valuation of natural capital, group-oriented transparent editing of the scientific this kind must be permanently equipped with adequate
particularly with respect to concrete parameters such findings on biodiversity to support more informed resources, which also cover the expenditure involved
Speeding up mainstreaming
as water and climate risks, air pollution, and land use, decision making at a political level and within industry. in the target-group-oriented distribution and communi-
within industry via stimulus from
as well as the overexploitation of specific resources. Scientific reports must be written so that people take cation of the findings. In the next step, it is important
the financial sector
The so-called Equator Principles on the preservation of notice of them in the first place. Politicians and also to elaborate specific options for action for business
The financial sector could be a crucial catalyst for environmental and social standards within the project industry are responsible for evaluating the conse- management which maintain and/or promote biodiver-
sustainable development. This applies to many of the financing segment, have been one of the approaches quences, and therefore depend on scientific knowl- sity, and make this available to the players. Ideally, this
business activities in which banks are involved – from since 2003. We welcome that organisations such as edge to place landmark decisions on a firm footing. would take place with the involvement of all participants.
asset management, to investment banking, from the UNEP Finance Initiative, with projects such as its
corporate and project financing, to private banking. Natural Capital Declaration (NCD), are strengthening
Other crucial players in addition to the banks include the awareness and methodological development in the
insurance companies and re-insurers, fund managers, financial sector. The sector should increase its aware-
rating agencies, and export credit agencies. If the ness of its responsibility, and play a pioneering role. 5 Strengthening biodiversity as a topic of comprehensive
sustainable development
Facing up to challenging discussions Using the opportunities of the 2030
4 Enhancing data availability and decision-making knowledge on prosperity and lifestyles Agenda for Sustainable Development
Companies work within an overall societal environment Biodiversity is not a pure ecological issue; it also has
whose ethical, cultural and economic preferences have immense social and economic dimensions. Distribu-
Strengthening risk and impact research Enhancing data availability
a crucial impact on market and competitive conditions. tive justice, a fair burden sharing, and development
Considerable gaps in knowledge and research, combined Various database projects with long-term goals – such In order to maintain their market strength and com- opportunities are vital issues, if not the key topic in
with conflicts of interests and goals, hinder societal as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility GBIF or The petitiveness, innovative, sustainable products and international climate and biodiversity negotiations.
consensus development, and the configuration of Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation services, and business models need social acceptance, The Nagoya Protocol is therefore an important achieve-
political frameworks for biodiversity. Biodiversity and Network GEO BON – are working to improve the and the willingness of consumers to pay an adequate ment within CBD. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
ecosystem research is being strengthened for these collection of data and access to this data. However, an price. When one looks at the major transformative Development adopted in 2015 not only contains
reasons. A priority when investing in science and important source of data here has barely been harnessed challenges such as climate change and the biodiversity “Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use
research should be given to risk and impact research, to date: every year, companies, or the experts working crisis, as well as their fundamental causes, it becomes of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests,
and the target-group-oriented publication of the results. on their behalf, collect millions of datasets on biodiversity clear: innovative environmental-technology strategies combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degra-
Information on the conservation status of genetic as part of authorisation procedures. Companies and cannot be adequate on their own to tackle the causes; dation and halt biodiversity loss”. More importantly,
diversity, species and ecosystems do not provide an scientific organisations should work together to identify this can only be achieved by interaction with the inno- it also highlights the significance of intact ecosystems
adequate basis or motivation for many decision-making ways of making this information accessible and usable. vation strength of society. This requires a number of in the context of numerous of its goals, for instance
processes in order to become active according to the A few sectors have undertaken pioneering work here interlocking change processes, and the courage to also “Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production
precautionary principle. It is much more important to well worth emulating, e. g. the biodiversity database discuss uncomfortable questions, such as the use of patterns.” The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop-
demonstrate and improve the communication of how initiated by the Pit & Quarry Industry Association in resources. A critical debate on consumption and life- ment opens up a major opportunity of communicating
one is affected oneself by dependency on biodiversity Baden-Württemberg (Industrieverband Steine und styles is an overall responsibility for all societal players. biodiversity even more intensely within the fundamental
and ecosystem services. Erden Baden-Württemberg ISTE), which assesses and context of sustainable development and international
documents the development of biological diversity in responsibility, and therefore also of reaching economic
extraction sites, and which is to be further developed players better than has been possible so far. The
at a German-wide level in future. achievability of the biodiversity targets will crucially
depend on how strongly the UN mechanism takes
effect, and helps achieve political integration.
14 | Recommendations Recommendations | 15
As of July 2017
'Biodiversity in Good Company' Initiative e. V.
Pariser Platz 6 · 10117 Berlin · Germany
Tel +49 (0)30.22 60 50-10 · Fax +49 (0)30.22 60 50-19
contact@business-and-biodiversity.de · www.business-and-biodiversity.de
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