The Science-Based Targets for Nature are here!

The release of the first Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) is a significant move forward for organisations to combat the global challenges of nature loss by balancing scientific rigour and feasibility. The guidance includes integrated technical guidance enabling companies to assess and prioritize their environmental impacts on freshwater quality and quantity, alongside land targets for the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. These targets aim to reduce negative impacts and enhance positive outcomes for nature and people across companies' direct operations and supply chains. SBTN emphasizes the interconnectedness of biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable business practices. Companies can now measure and address their environmental impacts using the best available science, focusing not only on mitigating deforestation and pollution but also on restoring degraded land and rehabilitating watersheds.

By adopting a holistic approach and aligning business strategies with science-based targets for nature, companies can contribute to a healthier, more resilient, and equitable world. This release encompasses methods for assessment, prioritization, and target setting, complemented by technical guidance and tools such as materiality screening and high impact commodity lists.

Later in 2023, SBTi plans to release a corporate manual to aid companies in implementing the technical methods effectively. Additional resources, including validation criteria, claims guidance, and stakeholder engagement guidance, will be made available to facilitate accurate communication of validated targets and ensure alignment with other frameworks, such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

The introduction of SBTN marks a crucial step toward building resilient businesses and sustainable economies while safeguarding the environment and society as a whole. By addressing their environmental impacts, companies can proactively manage risks, respond to regulatory changes, and meet investor demands, while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Engage with the SBTN guidance and learn how to take action following the SBTN step-by-step guide.