Now for THE big question: how can you integrate biodiversity into your business strategy? There is already good news: several initiatives are proposing transparent, science-based biodiversity commitment frameworks. The SBTN, for example, is a global coalition that helps companies define science-based biodiversity objectives.
To act, the SBTN recommends a VERY important sequence, known as AR3T. First and foremost: AVOID. Ensure, from the outset, that there is NO impact on biodiversity.
As Hippocrates, and all other doctors would say: "First, do no harm". Take, for example, a company in the real estate sector. How can we prevent new buildings from artificialising natural areas and impacting biodiversity?
Well, for example, areas that have already been artificialised can be prioritised for construction. Like brownfield sites. But we can be more ambitious, by building LESS.
For example : restoring disused buildings instead of building new ones. That causes less impact on biodiversity! Next: Reduce.
When impacts are unavoidable, reduce them as much as possible. In the real estate sector, for example, we talk about eco-construction, which means using more sustainable materials, but also less-polluting construction methods. It helps to REDUCE the impact.
Third step: Restore and regenerate degraded ecosystems. In other words, enable them to return to good health. For example, we can help to restore wetlands, like ponds, around a building that has already been constructed, which serve as a habitat for various species.
If you want to avoid greenwashing, remember one thing, you have to act IN THE RIGHT ORDER. Above all, avoid impact, and only then reduce the unavoidable ones. The rationale we have just seen can be applied to all sectors.
Let's take the case of textiles. You can start by AVOIDING the impact, like by producing less clothing. And then you can REDUCE, for example by choosing recycled materials.
Finally, another essential action throughout the process: Transforming. Take in-depth action on your activities, your offerings and your business models, all in conjunction with your stakeholders. To discuss this, let’s call Sylvain Boucherand.
He runs the BL Evolution consultancy firm, which is specialized in biodiversity. Hello! Hello.
First of all, how far have companies already come with their biodiversity strategy? Some companies that were particularly exposed have got ahead of the game. I'm thinking, for example, of the construction sector, which had quite significant regulatory constraints.
But overall, in the economy as a whole, we are still immature regarding biodiversity. This is an emerging issue. OK.
We sometimes hear that we could "compensate" for impacts on biodiversity, by offsetting the harmful effects of a project by taking positive action elsewhere. What are your thoughts on this? Compensation is a tough question, because if you destroy a forest, if you cut down a tree or remove a species, you can replant a tree somewhere else, but it won't necessarily be the same tree.
It won't necessarily have the same genetic heritage. Every living individual is unique. And that's why we can't be totally satisfied with this question of compensation.
OK, we understand the methodology, the priority is to avoid and reduce. This biodiversity strategy must also be applied to each of the company's functions. Do you have any examples, Sylvain ?
For example, when it comes to purchasing, we can choose products made from materials with less impact on biodiversity. An example would be a food group banning palm oil, which helps to reduce the overall pressure of this activity. It's also going to require a change in skills.
It's not the same process when you want to build a house or a concrete building as when you want to build using wood as a less impactful material. I see. You are calling for a profound economic change, really.
Yes. We need to transform our business models and operating methods to preserve biodiversity, and perhaps to be a little less profitable in the short term. But we also want to safeguard our business in the longer term.
That's right! You also advise companies to work collectively, within their industry and beyond, with initiatives like Business for Nature and ACT4Nature International. Why?
Over the last few years, we have seen the emergence of many collective and sectoral initiatives on biodiversity, which are now attracting the attention of the public authorities. For example, a group of major companies is calling on world leaders to introduce binding legislation on biodiversity reporting. If biodiversity deteriorates, all businesses lose out.
So, we also need to be able to involve all the sectors and stakeholders on a wider scale. If we want to preserve this global heritage, shared across humanity. Very clear.
Thank you very much Sylvain ! Thank you, goodbye. As you can see, biodiversity is a growing and increasingly structured issue.
With existing methodologies, you already have enough to put a serious strategy in place. I hope this video has made things clearer!
