The key to track 2
In order for your endeavour to be successful, you will need buy-in from the top decision-makers within your organisation. Get top level signatories on the Biodiversity Commitment so that your business fully understands and commits to the journey ahead.
Use the information below to create a business case to get your organisation started on its nature-positive journey
The Irish government declared a biodiversity emergency in 2019 (source). Business has a central role to play in the conservation, protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems services, driving sustainable consumption and production patterns. Nature-positive business models will provide opportunities for economic growth, employment, learning and provide more reliable sources of materials/ products, cost savings, and protection against natural disasters.
Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. Not just the variety between species, but the differences within species (genetic differences) and the variety of ecosystems that exist, providing ecosystem services that benefit humankind.
The term ‘nature’ encompasses both the living realm (biodiversity) and the non-living realm (for example, oceans, mountains and soils).
1. Diverse wildlife support healthy ecosystems upon which humanity relies.
Humans depend on the services supplied by healthy ecosystems, such as fresh water, pollination, soil fertility, food and medicine. Weakened ecosystems are less likely to provide those services.
2. Protecting diverse ecosystems keeps humans healthy.
There is a close link between disease outbreaks and biodiversity loss. [5] Seventy percent of emerging viral diseases have jumped from their animal hosts to humans. As tropical deforestation continues and we increase our exposure to wild animals, we increase our risk of contracting the diseases that they may carry.
3. Biodiversity is an essential part of the solution to climate change.
Biodiversity and nature restoration could deliver 30% of the emissions reductions needed by 2030 to prevent impending climate catastrophe [6]. Biodiversity plays a critical role in achieving global emissions reductions. Deforestation is responsible for 11% of all global emissions caused by humans, so protecting our forests would prevent the release of these gases into the atmosphere.
Trees and plants also store lots of carbon in their tissues. Nature provide protection from extreme weather events like storms and flooding.
4. Biodiversity underpins our global economy.
At least forty percent of the world’s economy and 80 percent of the needs of the poor are derived from natural resources[7]. If biodiversity loss continues at the current rate, food, forestry and ecotourism industries could lost the equivalent of $USD 330bn annually. Around 75% of global food crops rely on pollinators but many of these pollinator populations are in decline. [8]
5. Biodiversity is an integral part of our cultural heritage and identity.
Plants and animals are frequently integral to religious, cultural and national identities. 231 species are formally recognised as national symbols in 142 countries. More than one third of those species are threatened. In addition, we depend on natural spaces for leisure and recreation activities and nature is often a source of inspiration for art, music and poetry.
Nature positive is a term that defines the actions and activities of a business that reduce their negative impacts on nature across their operations and value chain, and concurrent business activities that redirect resources and financial investments towards the restoration and protection of nature.
Natural Capital refers to the stock of renewable and non-renewable natural resources (plants, animals, air, water, soils, minerals) that combine to yield a flow of benefits to people.
Got any queries or suggestions? Get in touch via our contact form below or at manager@businessforbiodiversity.ie
Business for Biodiversity Ireland were awarded the Climate-Positive Website Accreditation by the Eco- Friendly Web Alliance
Business for Biodiversity Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation supporting businesses in their journey to nature positive.
