BRODIE’s Key Takeaways from the World Biodiversity Summit 2022

1.     Biodiversity is becoming a mainstream topic of conversation

Biodiversity is a complex topic and, until recently, was under-discussed at many international forums. The cause for biodiversity loss can largely depend on various components including location and species and as such, businesses can feel paralyzed to act. It is important for discussions to continue to increase knowledge, awareness and momentum so biodiversity loss can be addressed.

2.     Holistic issues call for holistic approaches

Biodiversity, climate change and social welfare are interconnected, so there was encouragement to avoid developing solutions in silos. It was emphasized that solutions need to be created holistically to make meaningful impact. Take Chanel for example. The luxury brand bought jasmine fields necessary for their well-known perfume, Chanel #5, as the land was threatened to be purchased by developers. Chanel partnered with the farmers there to continue their supply of flowers for their perfume and the company was able to maintain people’s livelihoods, biodiversity, and carbon sinks.

3. There is a need for a global goal to halt and reverse biodiversity decline

There is a lot of attention and hope for the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal, Canada in December 2022. Similar to the Paris Agreement, there was a call for governments to rally behind and adopt the Global Biodiversity Framework, drive ambition, and set clear targets to prevent further biodiversity loss.

4. Preservation is easier and cheaper than restoration

There was emphasis on the importance of preserving biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides – such as clean water, pollination, disease control – instead of restoring it. There is an environmental, social, and financial cost to recreate something that is lost and destroyed. Companies must develop solutions that work with nature, not against it. For example, Jacobs works with clients to identify sites to build their companies by guiding them to previously developed properties, like agricultural land, to avoid clear cutting virgin forests, which helps maintain biodiversity and the natural capital. 

5.    Ecosystem services for all beings

Companies have open access to the ecosystem services, leading to overexploitation issues such as deforestation, overfishing, and over-irrigation. There is a need for businesses to change the way they think about biodiversity as a ‘free’ resource and see it as a resource for all to access.

For more information or interest in attending the second part of the World Biodiversity Summit will be held at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Sharm el-Sheikh, please for to worldbiodiversitysummit.org.

Get in touch

Do get in touch if you have any thoughts, you think we’ve missed something, or you’d like to discuss how we can help you with your sustainability goals.

BRODIE develops sustainability trends and market insights for a number of leading companies. We have also developed a breadth of sustainability strategies and action plans, including executive and stakeholder engagement and communications as well as business analysis and planning.

Email us at hello@brodiepartners.com