As you may already know, the UN biodiversity summit COP15 results are very successful. The summit has approved a historic deal to protect nature and to stop the loss of biodiversity by 2030. The main themes that 190 countries agreed on are protecting 30% of the land and marine areas, ensuring that by 2030 at least 30% of degraded ecosystems are under effective restoration and putting more financial resources to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework and push economies to more sustainable processes.
This is a big success for nature conservation and gives us hope for the future of our ecosystems. To make these impressive targets into reality, everyone, on all levels, must now do their part to ensure these targets are also reached. At Zerwaste implementing sustainable processes to address the ongoing loss of biodiversity is part of our objectives. One of our pledges is to encourage companies to implement processes that have a positive impact on biodiversity. We have various ongoing projects for 2023 but let’s already start with corporate actions you can take to implement processes that support biodiversity:
- 1 – Conduct a biodiversity assessment: Identify the species and habitats present on your company’s land, as well as any potential impacts your operations may have on them. This can help you understand the current state of biodiversity on your property and identify areas for improvement.
- 2 – Develop a biodiversity management plan: Based on your assessment, create a plan outlining specific actions your company will take to protect and enhance biodiversity. This could include setting aside land for conservation, planting native species, or implementing sustainable land management practices.
- 3 – Implement sustainable sourcing practices: Choose suppliers and vendors who prioritise sustainability and biodiversity in their operations. This can help reduce the negative impacts of your supply chain on ecosystems and species.
- 4 – Use eco-friendly products: Consider using environmentally friendly products in your operations, such as biodegradable packaging or eco-labelled cleaning supplies. This can reduce the negative impacts of your products on biodiversity.
- 5 – Promote conservation in your community: Partner with local conservation organisations like Zerwaste and engage employees in efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity in your community.
- 6 – Support conservation initiatives: Consider making financial contributions to conservation organisations or supporting conservation projects through corporate partnerships.
- 7 – Encourage sustainable land use: Work with your neighbours and local community to promote sustainable land use practices that support biodiversity.
- 8- Protect critical habitat: Identify and protect critical habitat on your property, such as wetlands or areas with high levels of biodiversity.
- 9 – Use renewable energy sources: Shift to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to reduce your company’s greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the negative impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
- 10 – Educate employees: Raise awareness among your employees about the importance of biodiversity and the role your company can play in protecting it. Encourage them to incorporate biodiversity-friendly practices into their personal lives as well.
By implementing these small processes, your company will create positive biodiversity interactions within and among your ecosystems and already play a significant role in supporting COP15 goals.
