As climate awareness increases, so does the pressure to become a more sustainable business. We’ve all felt it, but with the many operational challenges sustainability brings, it also presents a real opportunity to drive growth. Biodiversity is the latest environmental issue motivating industry leaders to focus on driving sustainable value creation. 

Across sectors, the most innovative companies are starting to recognise the role biodiversity plays in supporting both sustainability and their own long-term success. Unlocking the benefits of biodiversity is no longer just a societal obligation but a strategic imperative for businesses of all kinds. 

Before we get into why it’s so important, let’s first clarify what biodiversity actually is…

What is biodiversity?

Simply put, biodiversity is the variety of all life forms on Earth - from plants and animals right through to fungi, microorganisms and the ecosystems they inhabit. The term isn’t just a measure of the number of species that exist, but the diversity within them and the variety of ecosystems on our planet. 

Despite being essential to our survival, we’re losing species at the fastest rate in Earth’s history. So, you might already be making moves to become a more sustainable business, but if your environmental initiatives don’t factor in biodiversity then you’re at risk of falling behind. 

Here’s why biodiversity is imperative for your businesses. 

Future-proofing your business 

No matter your industry or specialism, your business relies on natural resources to operate. In fact, 

$44 trillion of value generation is dependent on nature. Biodiverse ecosystems provide all of the raw materials we use every single day, including water and timber. So sustainable management of these resources is essential for the long-term survival of your company and our planet. Climate change, habitat destruction and species extinction can disrupt supply chains and increase production costs. By proactively assessing and addressing your reliance on biodiversity you’ll stabilise your supply chain, improve your resilience and ensure your long-term viability.

Driving innovation 

Biodiversity is an incredible source of inspiration for innovation and technological advancements. Many breakthroughs in medicine and agriculture have only been possible thanks to study and use of biological diversity. Supporting the protection of biodiversity and investing in biotechnology will help you to develop more innovative products and processes - the type your competitors wish they came up with. Benefiting both your bottom line and our environment. 

Attracting a loyal audience 

Today’s conscious consumer is increasingly aware of environmental issues, and that includes biodiversity loss. That means businesses that are able to demonstrate a genuine commitment to biodiversity will win the hearts of more customers. Integrating biodiversity conservation into your strategies and CSR initiatives doesn’t just support natural ecosystems, but aligns with societal values. Helping to enhance your brand reputation and generate a loyal audience.

Avoiding risk 

It’s no surprise that governments around the globe continue to implement stricter environmental regulations, with many expanding their policies to protect biodiversity. Those who don’t consider our planet in the their business strategy or risk management tools eventually face reputational damage, large penalties and lost trust. 

 

Meanwhile the TNFD are spearheading a movement for voluntary disclosures, which recently attracted the support of 320 companies in over 46 countries, representing $4 trillion in market capitalisation and $14 trillion in assets under management. Organisations such as AstraZeneca, Reckitt, LMVH are part of this support group, following recommendations and guidance to enable businesses and finance to integrate nature into decision making. As a whole, their aim is to support a shift in global financial flows away from nature-negative outcomes and toward nature-positive outcomes, aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework.

It’s clear biodiversity is important for the environment, but it’s also critical for your company. Supporting the variety of life on our planet also means fueling innovation, attracting more customers and mitigating risk. That’s why incorporating biodiversity conservation into your strategies is the first step towards building a more sustainable future for both your business and our world. 

While integrating conservation efforts into your operations is essential, it’s not always easy. That’s where we come in - a global talent solutions organisation on a mission to connect the people who believe in leaving the world better than they found it. We’re a B Corp certified company, supporting businesses like yours to develop impact investing, ESG, sustainability, corporate affairs, communication and responsible functions. We also help to attract, assess, onboard and retain leaders within Executive Teams. 

 

In our ever growing community, we’d love to hear about your sustainability journey so far. Get in touch to discuss with our purpose driven team.