A framework for corporate action on biodiversity and ecosystem services

About the Study

Society relies on biodiversity and the goods and services it provides for human well-being and for the provisioning of raw materials that produce greater material welfare. Over the past 50 years, through increased population growth and climate change humans consumed and degraded biodiversity and ecosystems more rapidly than at any other time in human history. All businesses, regardless of their size, location or sector, depend upon and have a direct or indirect impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) through their operations, supply chains or investment choices. It is thus important for businesses to integrate BES considerations into their practices and to participate in the sustainable and equitable use and conservation of BES.

To this end, the UN Global Compact and IUCN have developed this framework for companies to explore the issue of BES as it relates to their activities and corporate sustainability. The overarching objective of this framework is to contribute to the integration of BES into business activities and to firmly position BES conservation among the private sector by engaging the top management of companies in the development, implementation and disclosure of BES policies and practices, in order to reduce risks, manage related impacts and seize opportunities. The framework aims to assist the top leadership of companies in understanding the BES challenge and to prompt the formulation and structuring of BES policies and practices, as part of corporate sustainability strategies that will contribute to achieving long-term profitability, as well as broader sustainability goals - including implementation of UN core environmental principles and related objectives.

A working group, formed by companies from different sectors, UN agencies, civil society and Academia, provided insight into what the main aspects of a framework for corporate action on BES should be and suggested relevant strategies to help companies tackle BES issues. Based on this consultative process and other initiatives such as TEEB, the UN Global Compact and IUCN identified common elements and developed 10 main recommendations for the top management of companies to consider and integrate in order to enable the company to take real and meaningful steps in relation to BES. The framework consists of four sections. The first section details how companies can understand and explore their relationship with BES by reviewing the various risks and opportunities driven by business actions that impact BES. Section 2 presents key management recommendations that can shape a corporate strategy for responsible BES management. These recommendations represent core elements that should be considered during the development of a BES strategy. Section 3 of the framework highlights the importance of working with stakeholders and business partners to advance common goals and targets in relation to business activities and BES. Finally, Section 4 provides insight into how companies can monitor and evaluate their performance on BES issues, and disclose their results. In addition, Appendix 2 provides a BES management checklist to guide companies through the process of assessing impacts on BES, identifying risks and opportunities, and disclosing results; while Appendix 3 lists various existing tools and mechanisms that companies can use in implementing the six stages of the BES management strategy that is suggested in this framework.

Source: All information was taken from the Website & the Publication.

Table of Content

Executive Summary

Introduction: Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services (BES) and Business

Section 1:The business case for action on BES

  • 1.1 Drivers for businesses to address BES: Risks and Opportunities
  • 1.2 Corporate governance and BES action


Section 2: Management recommendations for developing a BES strategy

Section 3: Collaboration and collective action on BES

  • 3.1 Inclusiveness and collective action
  • 3.2 Involving the supply chain

Section 4: Setting goals and tracking performance

  • 4.1 Setting goals
  • 4.2 Monitoring, evaluating and disclosing company performance

Conclusion

Glossary

  • Appendix 1: List of Working Group Members
  • Appendix 2: The BES Management Strategy Checklist
  • Appendix 3: Suggested tools for BES management

Source: All information was taken from the Website & the Publication.

Research Team

To support the development of this framework, a working group, comprised of companies from various sectors, UN agencies, civil society and academia, provided insight into what the main aspects of a framework for corporate action on BES should be, and suggested relevant strategies to help companies tackle the BES challenge.

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
UN Conference on Trade and Development;
UNEP—Financial Initiative;
UNEP – World Conservation Monitoring Centre;
IUCN –Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy;
Sustainable Agriculture Initiative;
International Council on Mining and Metals;
World Business Council for Sustainable Development;
Movimiento Empresarial Pela Biodiversidade (MEB) – Vale;
Movimiento Empresarial Pela Biodiversidade (MEB) – Forest Conservation;
Duke University;
Novartis;
Eskom;
Holcim;
Nestle;
Carbones Del Cerrejon;
Grupo Boticario;
Syngenta.

Source: All information was taken from the Website & the Publication.

 
 
https://www.csr-academy.org/en/tools-resources/Ressources/Studies/Biodiversity/en/A-framework-for-corporate-action-on-biodiversity-and-ecosystem-services.php