*** Consultation Closed ***
Following the launch of the Nature-Positive Initiative, IUCN has been developing an approach to set and deliver verified, robust targets for species and ecosystems within a Nature-Positive framework. In view of the important role that the private sector has in affecting the future of biodiversity, we have focused this approach on enabling companies to identify and deliver these contributions. This approach is described in detail in the paper available here.
While the paper is focused on the private sector, we recognise that the contributions of IUCN Members to the successful delivery of Nature-Positive will be crucial, both through engaging and supporting the private sector, and ensuring that contributions are viable and take account of local governance and equity. We would therefore very much appreciate your help in improving the approach. We would like to solicit your views on the paper through an online survey available here. The survey is also available in French and Spanish.
While the full paper on the IUCN approach to measuring Nature-Positive is only available in English, the executive summary is available in English, French and Spanish. All documents are available below and can be accessed through the online form.
What is “Nature-Positive”?
Nature is in crisis: there is overwhelming evidence that human actions have caused and are continuing to cause pervasive declines in life on Earth. The growing evidence of the impacts of this crisis on the planet, on society, and on the economy has led to increased recognition that we need to move beyond ‘minimising harm’ to actually delivering real and measurable improvements in the state of nature – in other words, to become ‘Nature-Positive’.
What does Nature-Positive mean? According to the Nature Positive Initiative (2023) the definition is: Halt and Reverse Nature Loss by 2030 on a 2020 baseline, and achieve full recovery by 2050.
Delivering the Nature Positive goal requires measurable net-positive biodiversity outcomes through the improvement in the abundance, diversity, integrity and resilience of species, ecosystems and natural processes. https://www.naturepositive.org/news
What is IUCN doing?
Recognizing the significance of the Nature-Positive concept and the opportune context of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), IUCN is actively developing guidance for businesses. This includes defining the concept, potential implications, and principles of Nature-Positive, as well as a separate document outlining an approach, based on IUCN standards and data sets, to support the delivery and measurement of Nature-Positive outcomes.
- Nature Positive for Business: The IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) has developed a technical paper Nature positive for business, Developing a common approach to provide businesses with a better understanding of approaches that can contribute to the global goal of Nature-Positive. This paper seeks to bring clarity to the concept of Nature-Positive, through alignment with global goals, reduction of inconsistencies, and guiding practical application.
- An IUCN approach to measuring Nature-Positive: This working document, focusing on species and ecosystems, is designed to enable effective delivery of verified, robust outcomes for biodiversity. The Measuring Nature-Positive – Setting and implementing verified, robust targets for species and ecosystems document is now available for consultation, and IUCN are seeking input from the private sector alongside IUCN members and commissions.
Consultation
The consultation on the proposed IUCN approach to measuring Nature-Positive is now open and will conclude on 15th March 2024.
We look forward keenly to your perspectives and inputs. Your analysis will be of great value in shaping our approach, ensuring it aligns with private sector perspectives and needs, and contributes meaningfully to a Nature-Positive future. Should you have any questions, please contact us at kevin.smith@iucn.org.