15 Businesses Leading the Way for Biodiversity and Target 15 Implementation

Target 15 is key to Safeguarding Biodiversity and Fostering Corporate Sustainability

The importance of this target lies in the intricate relationship between biodiversity and human well-being. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in providing food, water security, and climate resilience. Its loss threatens the delivery of these benefits, posing serious risks to global development.

Corporate sustainability is intrinsically linked with Target 15. Businesses rely on nature for raw materials, water, and climate regulation, making them direct stakeholders in biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, consumers and investors are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritize sustainability, making it a strategic business imperative.

By aligning their strategies with Target 15, corporations can contribute to global biodiversity conservation, ensuring the sustainable use of resources, and enhancing their own long-term viability. This reflects a profound shift towards recognizing the value of biodiversity, not only for its intrinsic worth, but also for its critical role in supporting sustainable economies and societies.

Implementation of Target 15

For most businesses the successful implementation of Target 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will be a journey and will take time to put all the necessary measures and processes in place to achieve this. There are already a number of businesses across a range of sectors that have taken proactive steps to assess their impacts on biodiversity, reduce negative impacts, and promote sustainable patterns of production. All critical steps necessary to deliver against Target 15.

Here are 15 businesses that are leading the way on biodiversity:

1. The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit organization that works to protect nature and conserve biodiversity. The organization has over 1 million members and works in more than 70 countries. The Nature Conservancy has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

2. Google

Google is a technology company that has committed to reducing its environmental impact. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

3. Unilever

Unilever is a global consumer goods company that has made significant commitments to reduce its environmental impact, including its impact on biodiversity. In 2019, Unilever announced that it would publish a list of all the suppliers that provide the company with palm oil, soy, paper, and other commodities. This move was aimed at increasing transparency in the company's supply chains and promoting sustainable sourcing practices. Unilever has also committed to sourcing 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2025.

4. Danone

Danone is a French multinational food-products corporation that has made significant commitments to reduce its impact on biodiversity. In 2019, Danone announced that it would launch a biodiversity scorecard to assess the impact of its operations on biodiversity. The scorecard would cover the entire value chain, from sourcing to production and distribution. They have set targets to improve the environmental impact of their agricultural supply chain, promoting regenerative agriculture and sustainable sourcing.

5. GSK

GSK have committed to positive biodiversity at GSK-owned sites by 2030, with all sites to have biodiversity action plans in place by 2025 and investment in programmes that improve habitats, protect species and improve soil or water quality. To address biodiversity in their supply chain, their target is that 100% of agricultural, forestry and marine-derived materials will be sustainably sourced and deforestation-free by 2030. They are also investing in the protection and restoration of land use across and beyond our value chain, in a way that also contributes to carbon removal and water basin restoration.

6. Kering

Kering is a global luxury goods company that has made significant commitments to reduce its impact on biodiversity. The company has developed a biodiversity strategy that aims to reduce its impact on ecosystems and promote sustainable practices in its supply chains. Kering has also committed to sourcing 100% of its leather from sustainable sources by 2025 and has made significant investments in research and development to promote sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

7.Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a beverage company that has committed to protecting biodiversity. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

The Water Stewardship Program: The Water Stewardship Program works to protect water resources and promote sustainable water management.

The Sustainable Agriculture Program: The Sustainable Agriculture Program works to promote sustainable agricultural practices that protect biodiversity.

The Forest Program: The Forest Program works to protect forests and promote sustainable forest management.

8. Nike

Nike is a sportswear company that has committed to protecting biodiversity. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

The Nike Sustainable Apparel Coalition: The Nike Sustainable Apparel Coalition is a partnership of companies that work to develop sustainable materials and practices for the apparel industry.

The Nike Better World Fund: The Nike Better World Fund provides funding for projects that protect the environment and promote social equity.

The Nike Conservation Research Grants Program: The Nike Conservation Research Grants Program provides funding for research that helps to protect biodiversity.

9. Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is an ice cream company that has committed to protecting biodiversity. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

The Ben & Jerry's Rainforest Crunch Campaign: The Rainforest Crunch Campaign raises awareness about the importance of protecting rainforests.

The Ben & Jerry's Fair Trade Program: The Fair Trade Program ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their products.

The Ben & Jerry's Social Justice Fund: The Social Justice Fund provides funding for projects that promote social justice.

10. IKEA

IKEA is a furniture company that has committed to protecting biodiversity. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

11. Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson is a health care company that has committed to protecting biodiversity. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

12. PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a food and beverage company that has committed to protecting biodiversity. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

13. The Body Shop

The Body Shop is a cosmetics company that has committed to protecting biodiversity. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

14. Walmart

Walmart is a retail company that has committed to protecting biodiversity. The company has a number of programs that work to protect biodiversity, including:

15. Boeing

Boeing's Pollinator Prairie is a great example of how a company can make a positive impact on the environment. The project is helping to restore native habitats, support pollinator populations, and educate the public about the importance of all creatures. Galago by Ramboll contributed to this project. Read the full story here.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples. These businesses demonstrate the level of ambition required to bend the curve. The focus should now be on delivering against commitment to protect nature and biodiversity. Showing that it is possible to deliver sustainable practices is important. If your organisation is on its way to a sustainable future, Galago by Ramboll can be your partner when it comes to sustainable land management and biodiversity mapping, monitoring and restoration.