Stockholm (NordSIP) – The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in December 2022 set out an ambitious goal of reestablishing a harmonious co-existence with nature by 2050. Among the concrete shorter-term targets was the “30×30” aim of restoring and protecting a third of the planet by 2030. It has so far remained somewhat unclear what the longer-term aim represents, which is why 27 of the world’s largest nature conservation organisations, institutes, business and finance coalitions came together on September 6, 2023, to launch a new global Nature Positive Initiative (NPI).
The NPI will seek to more accurately define the so-far quite broad concept of nature positivity, to help ensure clarity and ensure that the efforts of governments, businesses and civil society are properly aligned and bring genuine long-term benefits. A core group of 27 organisations including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and WWF International will collaborate on setting the initiative’s strategic direction, policy positions and joint activities. They will also seek to involve a growing number of entities over time, with a broader NPI Partnership scheduled to be launched in the coming weeks.
The goal of halting and reversing nature loss from a baseline of 2020 by 2030 has been brought to the fore in light of a growing awareness of the key role played by natural environments in relation to the climate, as well as the realisation that roughly half of global GDP is dependent on threatened natural resources and ecosystem services.
Commenting on the launch, David Atkin, CEO of the Principles for Responsible Investment said: “Climate change and biodiversity loss are inextricably linked challenges, which present systemic risk for investors. PRI welcomed the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at its launch and continues to support the Framework, committing the world to take action by 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. We recognise the importance of effective and consistent implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework among governments, businesses and investors to enable systems change. We are pleased to be part of the Nature Positive Initiative to scale action to achieve this.”
Institutional investors interested in participating in the NPI Partnership are invited to get in touch with the organisation via its website.
