What is nature?
Nature encompasses the ecosystems and biodiversity on which businesses heavily depend for raw materials, essential services, and overall operational stability. These include water, soil nutrients, carbon sinks, and pollination, which are often overlooked in financial accounting. The report highlights that these resources are finite and increasingly under threat from unsustainable practices. Recognising the value of nature is not only essential for credible decarbonisation strategies but also for ensuring long-term business viability.
The report introduces the dual opportunity nature presents: mitigating risks associated with environmental degradation and leveraging solutions rooted in ecosystem conservation. Nature is positioned as a core component of business strategies, particularly in the face of upcoming global regulatory changes, such as mandatory disclosures guided by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
Workbook
The workbook provides a structured approach to integrating nature into business decision-making. It is designed to help organisations assess dependencies, risks, and opportunities associated with natural systems. Key steps include:
- Conducting assessments: Evaluating how business operations rely on and impact ecosystems.
- Developing metrics: Identifying key performance indicators aligned with nature-positive outcomes.
- Engaging stakeholders: Collaborating across value chains to improve transparency and accountability.
The workbook leverages tools like the Nature Starter Tool (NaTSTART), which simplifies the process of embedding nature into strategy through actionable insights. It includes step-by-step guidance for conducting pilots, building business cases, and preparing for regulatory compliance. The focus is on fostering innovation and creating a collaborative ecosystem to address challenges such as data collection and supply chain complexity.
Casebook
The casebook provides real-world examples of businesses successfully integrating nature into their operations. These cases demonstrate the tangible benefits of nature-based strategies, including improved resilience, cost savings, and new revenue streams. Highlights include:
- Pilot projects: Over 50 coalition members conducted pilots using the NaTSTART tool, revealing valuable insights into risk mitigation and opportunity identification.
- Sector-specific applications: Companies in agriculture, manufacturing, and energy industries used nature-positive practices to enhance their operations while contributing to ecosystem restoration.
- Innovation through collaboration: Case studies highlight the importance of partnerships in achieving measurable outcomes, such as reducing water usage, improving soil health, and preserving biodiversity.
