GERMAN COMPANIES AND THE PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY

According to the Global Risks Report 2022, biodiversity loss and climate change are the greatest risks for the coming years. While climate change has already received a lot of attention, the importance of biodiversity is still a niche topic. However, it is becoming increasingly clear how important biodiversity is for companies. German companies are leading the way when it comes to recognising the importance of biodiversity and incorporating it into environmental targets, supply chain laws and ESG reporting.

To halt the loss of biodiversity by 2020, 168 countries, including Germany, signed the "Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD 2010)". Unfortunately, the targets for 2020 were not met. In December 2022, the parties met in Montreal for the 15th follow-up conference (COP15) to set new targets for 2030. More and more companies are now taking targeted measures to conserve biodiversity. They have realised that protecting biodiversity is crucial both for the ecological balance and for long-term business success.

The increasing number of initiatives focussing on the intersection of business and biodiversity is an impressive indicator of the growing relevance of biodiversity for business. Participation in such initiatives helps companies to develop biodiversity management, share information and experience and achieve improvements in their industries. The "Biodiversity in Good Company" initiative was the first of these. Members sign a "Leadership Declaration", a commitment to continuous improvements in the protection of biodiversity. In 2013, "Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt" (UBi) was launched: a platform initiated and funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) with the aim of educating the business community about biodiversity, promoting networking with authorities and nature conservation organisations and encouraging contributions from companies to the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and the conservation of biodiversity.

German companies are actively involved in corporate social responsibility. They invest in local communities and support initiatives that promote biodiversity education, research and conservation. Here are just a few examples: The REWE Group has introduced the PRO PLANET label: it characterises products that are produced in an ecologically and socially sustainable way. It includes biodiversity projects, in particular with a focus on bee- and insect-friendly cultivation methods for participating fruit and vegetable producers. BIONADE and Rhön organic farming: The project focuses on promoting organic farming in the Rhön region, which avoids the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, resulting in improved drinking water quality in the surrounding area. The project also contributes to the protection and conservation of traditional native species in the Rhön region.

Companies do not have to manage everything on their own: A trusted partner can bring in effective solutions in a timely manner. One such partner is 3Bee. The Nature Technology company protects biodiversity and offers companies innovative solutions to preserve the lives of pollinators. We monitor and protect biodiversity with our technologies. Our teams of engineers, scientists and communicators work together to provide companies with innovative solutions to create a positive environmental impact.

Our team is at your disposal if you want to implement a biodiversity conservation project to improve your environmental footprint. When you work with us, you benefit from our expertise in sustainable development and the conservation of biological diversity. We can support you throughout the entire project, from planning to completion. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find out more about our range of services.