Reversing the Biodiversity Crisis: The Crucial Role of Businesses

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted by 196 countries during the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP15) in December 2022, has been instrumental in setting the strategic direction. However, only around 10% of countries submitted their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) by the deadline. This regulatory uncertainty can make it challenging for businesses to plan and invest in long-term sustainability initiatives. All businesses, whether directly or indirectly, rely on nature for their operations and continued success. In fact, 55% of the world’s GDP is either moderately or highly dependent on the services and resources provided by the natural environment ⁱⁱⁱ. The global biodiversity decline therefore poses risks to business revenues, operations, supply chains and overall resilience, and could threaten the growth and stability of the financial system.

However, voluntary frameworks such as the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and Science-based Targets for Nature (SBTN) are providing companies with the guidance to carry out nature-related assessments and implement mitigation strategies.

^{i Living Planet Report 2024.}

^{ii Keck, F., Peller, T., Alther, R. et al. The global human impact on biodiversity. Nature (2025).} 

 ^{iii Nature Risk Rising: Why the Crisis Engulfing Nature Matters for Business and the Economy.}

^{iv World Benchmarking Alliance (2024). Nature Benchmark (Accessed: 31st March 2025).}