Business action for biodiversity via science-based targets for nature

The private sector has a critical role in achieving global biodiversity goals. The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) provides a framework for companies to set quantitative targets to reduce their pressures on biodiversity and support its protection and restoration. These science-based targets (SBTs) for nature are grounded in scientific evidence, in line with the IPBES assessments and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and reflect what is needed from corporate actors to reduce human-caused pressures responsible for some of the most significant harm to nature and to help meet local, regional and global goals. This paper outlines how SBTs for nature can mobilize corporate action for biodiversity and explains the rationale for the pressure-based target approach in the SBTN framework. It identifies prospects for increased target coverage in future to improve outcomes for biodiversity. Finally, it highlights four critical steps to safeguarding biodiversity within the SBTN approach:
1. Identify and avoid potential negative trade-offs between targets,
2. Prioritize response options with multiple co-benefits,
3. Use state of nature metrics to prioritize where to act and evaluate outcomes for
biodiversity, and
4. Engage and collaborate with other stakeholders.