The business of biodiversity – COP 16 calls on humanity to “make peace with nature”

Columbia has played host to COP16, the world’s largest biodiversity summit. Between October 21 and November 1, around 23,000 delegates gathered from around the world to debate how nations will meet their commitment to reverse nature loss. Amidst a biodiversity crisis, the conference focused minds on the challenges we face in changing mindsets and highlights the role businesses must play in helping to secure a better future.

Sustainability consulting

Nature is under siege. Be it pollution, land use changes or threats to precious ecosystems, biodiversity faces multiple threats. The UN estimates that 75% of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human activity. Around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.

 

The 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference – COP 16 – offered an opportunity to reverse the decline. The conference set out how key stakeholders plan to meet the commitments set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Two years ago, 188 governments signed an agreement to conserve 30% of the world’s land and ocean and become nature-positive by 2030. COP 16 was designed to marshal efforts and ensure nations are on track.

 

COP 16 generated some positive headlines. Landmark decisions included recognising people of Africa descent and Indigenous Peoples as key custodians of biodiversity and environmental stewards. We also saw delegates agree on establishing the Call Fund, a mechanism encouraging a more equitable distribution of profits derived from biodiversity.

 

Yet critics claim that COP16 failed to hit the mark. Many important issues were left unresolved when delegates ran out of time to negotiate important issues. Key omissions included defining a robust financing model to meet obligations and agreeing how to hold nations to account in meeting their obligations to protect nature. Monitoring is critical given the slow progress. According to a UN report, just 17% of the world’s land area and 8% of marine and coastal areas are currently under protection.

 

At the same time as COP16, the International Wildlife Coexistence Network (IWCN) hosted its second conference in Italy, focusing on preserving biodiversity amidst growing human pressures. Wylde Connections’ directors, Denise and Charlotte, attended the event, underscoring their commitment to advancing sustainable business practices that align with nature-positive goals. 

 

As an IWCN board member, Denise contributed insights from her extensive sustainability consultancy experience, advocating for actionable frameworks that enable organisations to integrate biodiversity protection into their operations. Charlotte’s attendance further highlighted Wylde’s commitment to driving real change, reflecting the company’s deep-rooted mission to inspire leaders toward proactive biodiversity strategies.

 

The conference underscored the need for integrated approaches that enable businesses and communities to coexist sustainably with wildlife, aligning with the objectives of COP16. It highlighted solutions that harmonise economic growth with the preservation of ecosystems, emphasising the critical role that industries like agriculture and infrastructure play in both impacting and protecting biodiversity. By engaging with global experts and advocates, the conference reinforced the need for organisations to develop practical strategies that support biodiversity goals, from enhancing wildlife corridors to promoting regenerative practices.

Call to action

 

Businesses have a key role to play in helping meet the commitments set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It is also important to recognise that protecting biodiversity is not only a moral imperative but critical to their long term survival. 

 

All organisations rely on nature’s resources, be it air, water or raw materials. Measuring and mitigating adverse impacts on biodiversity is not only an ESG cornerstone but makes business sense. Those that fail to take the issue seriously will fail to future proof their operations and struggle to meet the demands of regulators, customers, staff and investors.

 

A growing number of businesses are embracing nature-related reporting. According to The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) 502 companies and investors have committed to its voluntary framework for reporting nature-related issues. Savvy businesses understand that it is in their interest to treat nature as a valued stakeholder and doing so requires you to understand and monitor your impacts and prioritise your sustainability strategy moving forward.

Take a walk on the Wylde side

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity should form a critical element of any sustainability strategy. At Wylde Connections, we’re a team of expert sustainability consultants working with businesses large and small on developing and implementing robust action plans to embed best practice. To learn more, read our eBook The Business of Biodiversity: Putting Nature at the Heart of Your Sustainability Strategy.

 

Top tips include:

 

Support nature-based initiatives – Donate time, resources and money to support charities working to protect biodiversity. This could be anything from charities that help 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. 

 

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 do not have access to outside space, consider developing a roof garden or making use of balconies.

 

Sponsor a species – Consider sponsoring a species or habitat or supporting a Local Biodiversity Partnership. You can support them financially and commit to longterm sponsorship programmes or give staff time to volunteer on key projects.

 

Reduce emissions – 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. Ensure suppliers are compliant and are aligned with your commitment to supporting biodiversity.

 

As a trusted partner, Wylde Connections will support you at every stage of your journey. Be it embedding nature within our five-step sustainability consultancy programme or providing sustainability courses to raise awareness about key sustainability issues, we have the expertise to embed sustainable practice throughout your organisation.

Book a Discovery Call today.