Endagered Species Day 19th May 2023 

According to The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at least 40% of animals, insects, and plants are at risk of extinction across the world. On 19 May nature lovers will come together to participate in Endangered Species Day.  

Now in its 18th year, the global day of action encourages everyone to play their part in protecting endangered species and securing a more sustainable future for all life on Earth. 

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a landmark piece of US legislation that has helped protect species under threat of extinction. Yet large scale biodiversity loss continues to threaten the habitats and ecosystems of countless species. Endangered Species Day Is a reminder of our responsibility to protect animals and plants and place greater value on natural capital. 

According to Endangered Species Coalition, the day was created to raise awareness of the fragility of existence for many animals, plants, and insects. Most importantly, it reminds us to take the time to learn about why it’s so important to protect endangered species from any further harm. 

The UN estimates that one million species are at risk of extinction. Threats come in various forms, including climate change, hunting and poaching, natural disasters and habitat destruction. We tend to think of threatened species as coming from far afield, but many are on our own doorstep. Here in the UK animals at risk include bats, hedgehogs, otters, starlings and water voles. A study by London’s Natural History Museum found that Britain has lost nearly half of its biodiversity since the Industrial Revolution, largely down to environmental degradation. 

It is not only important that individuals understand the scale of biodiversity loss, businesses also need to value natural capital and understand how plants, animals and microorganisms form the heart of a healthy planet. Read our latest biodiversity eBook to learn more about eBook the importance of protecting precious ecosystems. 

How can you make the most of Endangered Species Day to raise awareness across your organisation and recognise nature in all its forms as a key stakeholder?  

Here are some top tips to help you: 

Measure and report – Businesses should measure and mitigate their adverse impact on biodiversity. Those that fail to take this issue seriously could fall foul of regulation and will struggle to attract investors and customers. Seek support in mapping your biodiversity risks through your value chain and then set science-based reduction targets. Engage with your supply chain to do the same. 

Read our eBook on reporting to learn more about current regulations and those on the horizon. Nature-related disclosures will form a key component of future reporting requirements and The Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) is working on a new framework for nature-related disclosures.  

Supporting nature-focused initiatives – Donate time, resources and money to support charities working to protect biodiversity. This could be anything from charities working to protect the Amazonian rainforest to a small group of volunteers helping to clear waste from your local river.  

Many conservation charities have business membership schemes. Ensure you have staff engagement and that all stakeholders understand your drivers. You may be able to explore the use of Biodiversity Credits to mitigate your environmental impacts, and support projects that have a positive impact. 

Sponsor a Species – Take a look at the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Consider sponsoring a species or habitat or supporting a Local Biodiversity Partnership. You can support them financially and commit to long-term sponsorship programmes or give staff time to volunteer on key projects.  

On your doorstep – Use your land to create new habitats, put aside space for wildlife gardens and encourage staff to get out and appreciate its biodiversity. Perhaps they could help build a bug hotel, create a pond, or install bird feeders and hedgehog boxes. If you don’t have access to outside space, consider developing a roof garden or making use of balconies.  

Create nature-friendly habitats on your premises – Even the smallest of gardens on commercial premises can have a beneficial effect for wildlife as well as having a positive social impact on staff health and wellbeing. (Watch out for Wylde’s forthcoming work on how you can do this). 

Reduce emissions – Measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the natural environment. Embrace renewable energy and commit to an ambitious waste reduction programme. Think about how you can support the circular economy to keep valuable resources in the value chain. Live by the mantra reduce, reuse and recycle to minimise your environmental impact. 

Responsible sourcing – As far as possible, source recycled raw materials or those with environmental certification and have full visibility when it comes to your supply chain. As well as meeting your own ESG obligations, also make sure suppliers are compliant and are aligned with your commitment to supporting biodiversity. 

Talk to Wylde about how we can help you put biodiversity at the heart of a robust sustainability strategy. Come with us on a journey to protect the natural world whilst mitigating risks, building resilience and securing a competitive advantage. 

Book a Discovery Call and learn more about how Wylde can help transform your business.