Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0 marks a significant milestone for the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) and the broader corporate nature agenda. As the business implications of nature-related impacts and dependencies become increasingly apparent—ranging from supply security and sourcing continuity to market access and resilience—the case for credible corporate action is strengthening. This update is not merely a technical revision; it is built on years of scientific development, consultation, and early corporate application. It responds directly to challenges identified by companies, such as imperfect data, limited traceability, and complex value chains, which often make it difficult to translate sustainability work into clear business decisions.

A clearer route to start, progress and act

The launch of version 2.0 comes ahead of CBD COP17, where governments will review progress towards global biodiversity goals. The update provides a more practical route to action through new pathways that offer companies more options depending on their readiness and data availability. Key features include focused scopes, supplier engagement targets, and stepwise validation processes. Freshwater methods have been strengthened to include the assessment of groundwater and expanded coverage of pesticide-related impacts. Land methods now provide expanded routes for working land regeneration and restoration, specifically for sectors including mining, infrastructure, construction, and extractives. Additionally, the new “Step 4: Act” resources assist organisations in moving from the target-setting phase into action planning. These enhancements are designed to connect target-setting more effectively with related assessment, disclosure, and transition planning processes.

Practicality without compromise

The SBTN emphasises that increased practicality does not result in lowering the bar for corporate environmental responsibility. The place-based approach has been strengthened, and independent validation remains central to the methodology. Technical Director Dr Varsha Vijay notes that the objective is to make rigorous science more usable in the decisions companies are actually making, specifically regarding where to focus, what level of action is required, and how to build credible progress over time. This approach ensures that while the methods are more accessible, they maintain the scientific rigour and accountability necessary for corporate action to be considered credible by stakeholders.

Evidence of value and growing scale

Evidence from the recent “Step Up for Nature” report indicates that companies are increasingly using science-based targets as a business management tool. This gives them greater confidence in directing resources and engaging suppliers to build long-term resilience. Currently, more than 300 companies across 40 countries are engaging with SBTN’s methods. To date, 45 companies have publicly signalled their intention to set science-based targets for nature, and more than 60 land and freshwater targets have been validated across 18 different companies. Investor expectations also reinforce the need for this rigour; 93% of investors surveyed in the TNFD 2026 Status Report stated they want corporate nature targets to be science-based.

Connecting corporate nature approaches

The 2.0 release reflects a growing convergence across corporate nature approaches, being released alongside updates from the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Nature Positive Initiative (NPI). TNFD supports organisations in assessing and disclosing nature-related dependencies, impacts, and risks, while SBTN provides the framework for setting targets and taking action. The two organisations have strengthened their alignment, allowing companies to reuse relevant data and analysis across both frameworks. Furthermore, the State of Nature Indicators and Metrics, led by the NPI, provides a common measurement foundation. This coordinated release helps companies reduce duplication, work with greater consistency, and connect measurement to target-setting more effectively.

Explore the release

The release package includes the Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0, a target-setting guide, and technical perspectives. Outside of a forthcoming Ocean update, the SBTN expects future development to focus on targeted refinements and supporting tools rather than major revisions, providing a stable basis for long-term implementation by the private sector.

What partners are saying

Various global leaders have endorsed the update. Leah Seligmann, CEO at The B Team, described the framework as an essential tool for leaders facing systemic risks. Eva Zabey, CEO at Business for Nature, highlighted that 2.0 helps companies translate ambition into practical action aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework. Sue Armstrong-Brown of CDP noted that the guidance provides a practical framework for setting targets beyond greenhouse gas emissions, enabling environmental issues to be embedded into strategy and decision-making. Tony Goldner, CEO of TNFD, emphasised that the continued alignment between TNFD and SBTN supports a more consistent and decision-useful corporate practice. Leaders from WWF and the World Resources Institute further underscored that these tools allow businesses to identify where their impacts are most significant and prioritise action accordingly.