Introduction

Businesses play a pivotal role in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), aiming to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. Key to this effort is the development of credible nature strategies aligned with the ACT-D framework—Assess, Commit, Transform, and Disclose. Advocacy for ambitious public policies complements corporate actions, creating a synergistic feedback loop that drives systemic change. Effective collaboration with policymakers is essential to establish the regulations and financial mechanisms needed for a transition to a nature-positive economy.

Drivers of responsible policy engagement

As businesses increasingly adopt nature strategies, their advocacy practices face growing scrutiny:

• Enhanced public scrutiny: Misalignment between corporate commitments and lobbying activities has prompted civil society and regulatory actions, including anti-greenwashing laws in the UK and EU.
• New standards: Organisations like the OECD and UN are formalising sustainability requirements, raising the bar for corporate lobbying practices.
• Investor pressure: Initiatives such as Climate Action 100+ and Nature Action 100 demand alignment between corporate lobbying and biodiversity goals, with shareholder resolutions targeting these areas increasing significantly.

These factors create powerful incentives for companies to adopt Responsible Policy Engagement, ensuring their advocacy aligns with their public commitments and stakeholder expectations.

Business benefits of responsible policy engagement

Adopting responsible policy engagement offers multiple benefits:

• Risk mitigation: Proactive policies reduce nature-related business risks and bolster global efforts.
• Cost efficiency: Delaying action increases financial burdens; timely advocacy minimises costs.
• Stakeholder alignment: Meeting investor, consumer, and employee expectations strengthens stakeholder trust.
• Regulatory certainty: Clear policies enable long-term business planning and prevent competitive disparities.
• Reputation and influence: Visible advocacy enhances brand value and provides businesses with a platform to shape impactful policies.

These benefits underscore the strategic value of responsible advocacy in advancing both environmental and corporate objectives.

Take action

For effective advocacy, businesses should adopt a structured approach:

• Commit to ambitious policies: Publicly support pro-nature legislation and integrate lobbying governatce into corporate strategy. Engage directors, employees, and external stakeholders to align advocacy efforts.
• Align trade associations: Identify misalignments between corporate goals and trade association activities. Collaborate with peers to pressure associations toward positive advocacy.
• Allocate advocacy spending: Redirect financial contributions to initiatives that support biodiversity goals, avoiding entities that obstruct progress.
• Speak out publicly: Actively champion science-based policies at all governance levels and mobilise networks to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Disclose advocacy activity: Transparently report memberships, financial contributions, and corrective actions for misaligned practices. Currently, only 2 of 769 companies assessed by the World Benchmarking Alliance disclose lobbying activities, highlighting a gap to address.

These actions enable businesses to foster an “ambition loop,” where corporate action inspires stronger public policies, which in turn support nature-positive outcomes.

Resources

Businesses can leverage tools and frameworks like the Responsible Policy Engagement Framework by the We Mean Business Coalition and Ceres. These resources, though primarily climate-focused, provide adaptable strategies for nature advocacy. As the field evolves, organisations can access updated standards and monitoring tools to ensure responsible engagement.

By adopting these practices, businesses not only contribute to halting nature loss but also position themselves as leaders in building a sustainable and equitable economy.