Bridging the gap between Biodiversity and Business

4 min reading
3 years ago
green roofs in a city
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IUCN World Conservation Congress

IUCN WWC, Marseille — Interview with Akanksha Khatri
© InTent


During the IUCN WCC in Marseille, InTent had the pleasure to interview Akanksha Khatri, head of Nature and Biodiversity at the World Economic Forum. She pointed out the three major socio-economic systems that endanger around 80% of the threatened or near-threatened species: food land and ocean use, infrastructure and built environment, energy and extractives.

New Nature Economy Report, 2020
© WEF (2020)

Khatri also highlights the importance of not leaving people behind : “indigenous people are stewards of 80% of the world’s biodiversity, so any solution that does not put them in the centre, it is not going to work”. In that line, she mentions that 40% to 50% of the world's employment is in agriculture, farmers need to be at the centre of the transition. The recently launched WEF initiative, Hundred Million Farmers, is a practical example of how to move economic activities towards becoming nature-positive without leaving anyone behind.

In other terms, there is no future for business as usual - we are reaching irreversible tipping points for nature and climate. Fighting climate change is essential but not enough to address the nature crisis – a fundamental transformation is needed across three socio-economic systems: food, land and ocean use; infrastructure and the built environment; and energy and extractives.

These changes won’t happen overnight. And without a doubt, they are amongst the biggest challenges humanity has ever faced. However, these transitions represent a huge business opportunity. Studies suggest that these systemic transitions could create 395 million jobs by 2030, with annual business opportunities worth $10 trillion. 

Governments are listening and need a strong signal to move forward at COP15 and COP26 with confidence. Business can truly make a difference as a force for good when they give government this confidence and align business models with policy goals.

“More than half of the World’s GDP is moderately or highly dependant on nature and its services”
World Economic Forum

The world is looking for change, with younger generations willing to pay for it. A full 75% of US Millennials and 63% of Gen Z are willing to pay more for sustainable products. These groups are more and more aware of their power of consumer choice, and they increasingly demand responsible products that are good for the planet.

Forward thinking industry leaders are examining how their business models interact with nature and they are looking beyond the next quarter. This is an ideal moment for every company to examine their operations, see where nature interacts with their supply chains and fortify the foundation for sustainable scaling. This is a moment to invest in nature.

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