Endorse the COP16 Business Statement “Renewed policy ambition on nature”

 
 
 

In July, Business for Nature released a business statement to mark the 100 days before the UN Biodiversity COP16. The statement urges governments to seize the moment and demonstrate renewed policy ambition for nature.

The UN Biodiversity COP16 will be an “Implementation COP”. It will be the first major global milestone since the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework, otherwise known as the ‘The Biodiversity Plan, in 2022. Businesses and financial institutions have a dual responsibility: to take credible action on nature themselves and ask governments to create the regulatory environment needed for a thriving, nature-positive economy for all by 2030.

100 days to COP16 – sending a strong message to governments

In July 2024, 100 days before COP16 in Cali, Colombia, Business for Nature published the “Renewed policy ambition on nature” statement with its list of endorsers. The statement is used to demonstrate the continued and growing business momentum for swift implementation of the Biodiversity Plan.

 
 

Why now? Because the clock is ticking. Governments are expected to publish their national biodiversity strategies (called NBSAPs) ahead of COP16, but so far less than a dozen have been published. In parallel, around the world, progressive environmental policies are being weakened, delayed or cancelled all together. However the science is clear: immediate action and leadership are urgently needed. Delaying action comes at a real cost – to livelihoods, societies and the economy.  We need a strong and unified leading business voice now to demonstrate renewed support for ambitious nature policies.  

Demonstrate leadership, call for ambition

Companies are encouraged to continue endorsing the Business Statement ahead of COP16, by 13 October, using the link below and join the collective call for governments to strengthen - not weaken nature policies.

 
 

The Business Statement is complemented by policy recommendations for governments. Developed through extensive consultation with nearly 150 organizations worldwide and in collaboration with Business for Nature's coalition partners, these recommendations outline the key policies, legislation, regulation, and incentives needed to create a nature-positive economy by 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

  • Business for Nature will use the statement to show the growing support from the business community for ambitious nature policies and government leadership. It supports Business for Nature’s policy recommendations that summarize the policies, legislation, regulations and incentives needed to create a nature-positive economy by 2030 and see successful implementation of the Biodiversity Plan.

  • Any business or financial institution regardless of size, geography or sector can endorse the statement. Non-for-profit organizations cannot endorse the statement. Your company name of all endorsers will be publicly listed at the bottom of the statement with other endorsers when we launch the statement publicly in July.

    Please note: although the form requests information from the individual who has the authority to complete the form on behalf of their organization, the statement will only feature the company name, not the individual name.

  • Simply complete the short online form before COP16, by 13 October. We do not require an actual signature or company logo. Any individual with the authority to endorse the statement on behalf of the company can complete the form.

  • Endorsing the statement means joining a group of leading businesses to demonstrate momentum in favor of ambitious policies and giving governments the courage and comfort to go further, faster. Voluntary actions are necessary and commendable, but businesses can’t solve nature loss alone. Strong government leadership is needed to change the rules of the game, create a level playing field and spur more business action. Endorsing the statement, also means you will join the informal Business for Nature community, and receive updates and exclusive engagement opportunities around COP16 and other key events.

  • There is no commitment when you endorse the statement, apart from demonstrating leadership in alignment with the ambition of the statement. It is a simple way to show your company's leadership in supporting ambitious nature policies ahead of COP16.

  • We expect the statement to increase the pressure on governments to develop ambitious national biodiversity strategies ahead of COP16, as well as strengthen the policies needed to successfully implement the Biodiversity Plan.

  • These high-level recommendations focus on creating a strong foundation for change and corporate accountability. This includes clear regulations and incentive mechanisms which creating a level playing field and stable operating environment. The recommendations were drafted following an extensive consultation process with nearly 150 organizations and in collaboration with Business for Nature’s partners. Endorsing the statement is NOT an endorsement of the policy recommendations.

  • Besides supporting the statement, we are encouraging all companies to develop, publish and submit their nature strategy through the ’It’s Now for Nature ’campaign. Companies can also act now by assessing, committing, transforming and disclosing on nature, and using the sector guides developed in collaboration with WBCSD and the World Economic Forum. You can also watch the recorded webinar from 11 June: Road to Biodiversity COP16: Why and how business should contribute.