We live in an age where environmental and sustainability issues are more visible than ever before.

While environmental and economic concerns may appear to be very different issues, they are actually deeply intertwined.

Businesses must acknowledge their impacts and dependencies on biological diversity and ecosystem services within their core strategy and operations.

In doing so, they are better positioned to avoid risks and exploit opportunities.

Managing biodiversity is, therefore, a way to manage risk. The consequences of biodiversity degradation and loss can lead to higher input costs or the disruption of key elements of a value chain. Biodiversity is also increasingly being considered by governments, with a resulting increase in regulation.

Taking action

Many companies are already active to address and mitigate these impacts, recognizing that there is a strong case for business to invest in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity or even make it core to one’s business strategy.

The Global Partnership for Business and Biodiversity is a prime example of the way in which businesses, government, and NGOs are taking action. There are currently 21 national and regional initiatives working on engaging business on biodiversity, whether in the form of training, workshops, developing tools, or influencing policy.

Moreover, the case studies you can find on this website are real-life examples of businesses taking action and creating a beneficial impact to the environment and, possibly, on their bottom line. The tools and mechanisms listed here will guide you to take action. If you have case studies and tools to share, please contact: business@cbd.int.

For more information on the state of biodiversity and biodiversity loss, please refer to the Global Biodiversity Outlook.