Business Guide to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

Leading up to the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the (CBD), in Kunming, China in 2021, ICC and Business for Nature joined have produced a business guide to explain the CBD process, the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework and key issues for business at COP15. It also outlines why business engagement around the process is essential.

At COP15 – the most important UN Biodiversity Conference in this decade – countries are expected to agree on a Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework and new targets for protecting biodiversity. This framework is intended to include goals, targets and policy directions for our global society over the next three decades which will lead the way to achieving the CBD 2050 vision of “Living in Harmony with Nature”. As was the case for the Paris Agreement on climate change, an ambitious, clear and implementable international agreement at COP15 will ensure that the nature agenda is raised to the highest political level. This would help set the direction for business action, and guide governments in adopting policies that unlock new business opportunities and create a level playing field and stable operating environment for businesses around the world. COP15, and the other key biodiversity events on the road to COP15, are opportunities for businesses to contribute to and shape the nature agenda for a resilient and sustainable future.

The Post-2020 Framework will translate into actions, policies and regulations at regional and national levels that will have direct consequences on the operations of companies. The key elements of the agreement will have an impact on how companies operate and how they can transform their business models. The agreement has the potential to unlock new business opportunities and will help create a level playing field and stable operating environment for business globally. Business participation is essential to drive the agenda in a direction that is aligned with business expectations, experiences and realities, and is sufficiently ambitious to achieve the level of action the biodiversity crisis demands.

How can business engage?

1. Raising their voice calling for an ambitious Post-2020 Framework
2. Signing up to the Business for Nature’s Call to Action and demonstrate the business momentum in favor of ambitious policies and collective action on nature
3. Attending and engaging in key milestone event on the road to COP15 and demonstrate that nature is a priority

Businesses engaged in innovation using genetic resources are also invited to participate in ICC’s work on access and benefit sharing and the Nagoya Protocol. Read the ICC Statement Towards a new implementation strategy for access and benefit sharing

“Recent events have made very clear the importance of natural environments to the health and prosperity of communities, livelihoods and economies the world over. But effectively addressing the pressing challenge of increasing biodiversity loss in nature will require leadership and solutions that are both global and local, with all stakeholders stepping up. Biodiversity is good for business, and the private sector can and must help to protect, conserve and restore our ecosystems. In partnership with Business for Nature, ICC will work to unite global business behind these critical efforts.”

John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce

“Over 1,240 businesses are already taking action for nature, but it’s not enough. These challenges cannot be solved in isolation and leading companies are calling for governments to adopt policies now that will create a level playing field, a stable operating environment and unlock new business opportunities. An ambitious international agreement with clear and implementable targets is essential to help more businesses scale and speed up efforts to make the transition needed towards a sustainable, circular economy that respects the limits of the planet.”
Eva Zabey, Executive Director, Business for Nature