Three First Steps for Taking Action

“We understand biodiversity matters. But we don’t know where to begin.”
Many companies may find themselves stuck at this stage.

May 22 marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, and more companies have started exploring biodiversity initiatives around this time of year. In 2023, the final recommendations of TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) were released, and interest in “nature positive” approaches continues to grow.

At the same time, the challenge is often not a lack of information, but uncertainty around how to move forward. Compared with climate change, biodiversity can feel less directly connected to business operations. Unlike CO₂ emissions, which are relatively easy to quantify, dependencies and impacts on nature are often embedded deep within supply chains.

That is why one of the most important first steps is deciding how to organize and frame the issue internally.

Why Many Companies Struggle to Get Started

There are several common reasons biodiversity initiatives tend to stall.

First, many companies struggle to understand how biodiversity relates to their own business. Biodiversity is often associated with forests or oceans, making it feel distant from day-to-day operations. In reality, however, most businesses are connected to nature through water use, land use, raw material sourcing, and supply chains.

Another challenge is the perception that biodiversity is difficult to measure. Because there is no single standardized metric comparable to CO₂ emissions, companies may feel they need comprehensive data before taking action. In practice, gaining a broad understanding of the overall picture can be more valuable than pursuing perfect data in the early stages.

Internal prioritization can also be difficult. If biodiversity is discussed only as an environmental issue, it may be harder to connect it to management priorities or business decisions.

In many cases, progress starts not from creating a perfect strategy, but from beginning with a manageable level of organization and discussion.

Three First Steps Companies Can Take

1. Understand Where Your Business Connects With Nature

The first step is identifying where your business interacts with nature across the value chain.

This includes understanding both where the business depends on nature and where it impacts nature. For example, food-related industries may focus on agricultural sourcing regions, while manufacturers may examine water resources around production facilities.

At this stage, companies do not need to assess every operation or every supplier. Narrowing the scope to a manageable area often makes the process more practical and actionable.

2. Reframe Biodiversity in Business Terms

The next step is translating those relationships into business impacts.

For example, dependence on water resources in a specific region may also represent a potential production or supply risk during drought conditions.

Reframing biodiversity issues through business perspectives — such as sourcing risk, regulatory and disclosure requirements, or brand value — can make internal discussions more productive and easier to align with management priorities.

Rather than treating biodiversity solely as an environmental topic, connecting it to business strategy often helps clarify the next actions.

3. Integrate Biodiversity Into Existing Operations

The final step is embedding biodiversity perspectives into existing business processes.

Instead of launching entirely new initiatives, many companies may find it more effective to extend current sustainability policies, procurement standards, or environmental programs.

Metrics such as “sustainable sourcing ratio” or “water risk assessment coverage” can help connect biodiversity considerations to existing operational frameworks.

Clarifying the roles of procurement, manufacturing, sustainability, and other related teams can also support smoother internal adoption.

Starting Small Can Be the Most Effective First Step

Biodiversity initiatives do not necessarily need to begin at a company-wide scale.

Even a pilot initiative focused on a specific business unit, product line, or sourcing category can help organizations better understand what works for them. In some cases, simply reviewing existing CSR reports or procurement guidelines can reveal important connections to nature.

What matters most is not waiting until everything is perfectly organized before taking action, but moving forward while gradually refining understanding along the way.

Biodiversity is not entirely separate from existing sustainability or business efforts. Often, it can be approached as an extension of initiatives already underway.

A practical starting point may simply be mapping where nature connects to your value chain. Even that exercise alone can provide valuable insight into possible next steps.

Supporting Your First Steps in Biodiversity Action

• Want to better understand how your business relates to biodiversity, but unsure where to start?
• Looking to prepare for TNFD or disclosure requirements, but need help organizing priorities?
• Seeking ways to connect biodiversity strategy with internal decision-making and business planning?

We welcome early-stage conversations and brainstorming discussions.
Please feel free to contact us.

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