How to use the nature strategy handbook

The Nature Strategy Handbook is designed to assist businesses in developing strategies that contribute to a nature-positive world by 2030. It aligns with global frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Global Biodiversity Framework. The handbook provides guidance under the ACT-D framework: Assess, Commit, Transform, and Disclose.

The structure includes guiding questions, recommendations, and external resources to support strategy development. While comprehensive, it is not a rigid template, allowing businesses flexibility in aligning the strategy with their operations.

What is ACT-D?

ACT-D is a high-level framework encouraging businesses to integrate nature-positive actions into their strategies. It consists of four core actions:

• Assess: Understand material impacts and dependencies on nature.
• Commit: Set ambitious targets for a nature-positive future.
• Transform: Implement changes to achieve set targets.
• Disclose: Ensure transparency and alignment with recognised reporting standards.

This framework integrates with tools such as the WWF Risk Filter and the Natural Capital Protocol to support actionable steps.

How to include ‘Assess’ in your nature strategy

The “Assess” phase involves understanding material impacts, dependencies, risks, and opportunities linked to nature. Businesses should:

• Conduct materiality assessments to identify significant nature-related factors.
• Map impacts across the value chain, including upstream and downstream activities.
• Identify sensitive areas where operations intersect with biodiversity hotspots.

Key recommendations:

• Define the scope of materiality assessments, including activities, high-impact commodities, and geographic locations.
• Evaluate risks and opportunities, incorporating climate and social dimensions.
• Use metrics to measure the scale and timing of impacts.

Resources: Frameworks like TNFD’s LEAP and tools such as ENCORE Explore support this process.

How to include ‘Commit’ in your nature strategy

The “Commit” phase is about defining ambition and setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) targets. These targets should align with the Global Biodiversity Framework’s goals of halting biodiversity loss by 2030.

Key recommendations:

• Develop a clear ambition statement linked to business priorities.
• Set measurable targets addressing specific impacts, dependencies, and risks.
• Align nature targets with climate and broader sustainability goals.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish systems to track progress, using KPIs and milestones, and consider third-party validation.

How to include ‘Transform’ in your nature strategy

The “Transform” phase focuses on operational and governance changes to achieve a nature-positive impact. Steps include:

• Avoiding and reducing negative impacts on nature.
• Restoring and regenerating ecosystems.
• Collaborating across value chains and regions.
• Advocating for biodiversity-friendly policies.

Key recommendations:

• Implement avoidance and reduction measures using materiality insights.
• Invest in restoration and regenerative practices, ensuring they address key risks and dependencies.
• Engage stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, for inclusive and effective strategies.
• Integrate nature considerations into corporate governance and risk management.

Governance: Establish oversight at the board level and ensure clear roles for monitoring and implementing nature strategies.

How to include ‘Disclose’ in your nature strategy

The “Disclose” phase ensures that businesses communicate their actions transparently and align with recognised reporting standards. This involves:

• Seeking independent validation for targets and metrics.
• Reporting against frameworks such as TNFD and CDP.
• Providing clear scope and progress on nature strategies across the value chain.

Key recommendations:

• Include details on third-party validations and accreditations.
• Disclose progress toward biodiversity goals with measurable outcomes.
• Align voluntary and mandatory disclosures with financial and operational objectives.

Resources: Guidance from TNFD and SBTN supports credible and comprehensive reporting.