Guide on best practices sharing biodiversity data for private companies

Private companies are increasingly collecting biodiversity data in response to regulatory and voluntary frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Despite this, much of the data remains underutilised and is rarely shared on public platforms.

This report identifies four key profiles of corporate biodiversity data producers:

1. Companies with direct operational impacts,
2. Companies with value chain impacts,
3. Companies pursuing nature-positive outcomes,
4. Enablers such as environmental consultants and nature tech firms.

It reviews relevant standards and formats (e.g., Darwin Core, Essential Biodiversity Variables) and platforms (e.g., GBIF, OBIS, GEO BON), highlighting the disconnect between research-focused systems and business needs.

Case studies from organisations including TotalEnergies, Holcim, and Barilla illustrate the benefits of data sharing, while also revealing common challenges such as data ownership and limited internal expertise.

To support companies, the report presents a practical seven-step guide, from defining goals and preparing data, to resolving legal issues, selecting platforms, and building internal capacity. It concludes by encouraging a culture of data stewardship to unlock the strategic and global value of corporate biodiversity data.