The role of companies and governments in protecting biodiversity

The protection of biodiversity cannot disregard the support of government policies, which play a crucial role in promoting the protection of natural habitats and the sustainable management of resources. In Europe, the adoption of strategies such as the Nature Restoration Regulation, part of the 2030 biodiversity strategy, is essential for protecting threatened ecosystems and ensuring the recovery of degraded areas. In this context, the report by the European Topic Centre on Biodiversity and Ecosystems (ETC BE) highlights how collective behaviors, social norms, and political choices contribute to the loss of biodiversity. The utilitarian view of nature, misinformation, short-term thinking, and weaknesses in governance are just some of the eight social barriers that hinder real change. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective business strategies and public policies.

The perception people have of nature deeply influences their decisions, including economic ones. The report distinguishes three perspectives: nature as an intrinsic value, nature as ecosystem services, and nature as culture, referring to relational and identity values. For businesses, this means recognizing that environmental impact is not only technical but also cultural. Adopting an approach that values biodiversity in all these dimensions can strengthen corporate reputation, improve relationships with territories, and contribute to long-term sustainability. It is a strategic challenge that requires awareness and operational tools.

Businesses can be both part of the problem and part of the solution. The report identifies seven key factors to trigger systemic change. Among these: a shared vision, an informed citizenship, decisions based on scientific data, and adequate funding. Companies can integrate these factors by adopting effective ESG criteria, promoting environmental data transparency, participating in multi-stakeholder projects, and supporting citizen science. It is essential to overcome a logic of greenwashing to adopt a truly engaging, systemic, and measurable approach to biodiversity conservation.

To encourage businesses to engage in the protection of biodiversity, a coherent political framework is necessary. In the briefing "Strengthening society’s engagement with nature," the EEA highlights five key tools to enhance society's commitment to biodiversity protection: regulatory strengthening, sustainable economic incentives, environmental education, decentralized governance, and participatory monitoring. Within this context, companies must contribute by adopting, for example, regenerative agricultural and forestry practices, integrating biodiversity into communication, and co-designing with local communities.

The One Health approach, promoted by WHO, highlights the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. Businesses, particularly those in the agri-food, pharmaceutical, tourism, and manufacturing sectors, must consider the systemic risks arising from biodiversity loss. Pandemic, climate crisis, and resource scarcity are all effects of an unhealthy ecosystem. Integrating biodiversity into risk management is not only an ethical choice but a strategic imperative. Recognizing the value of biodiversity in corporate accounts can ensure greater resilience and a lasting competitive advantage.

The final message of the ETC BE report is clear: to protect biodiversity, a profound cultural change is needed. Businesses must no longer be mere regulated entities, but key players in the ecological transition. A new social contract based on shared responsibilities is necessary, where nature is recognized as an ally and not as a resource to be exploited. This means investing in education, supporting science, redefining business models, and establishing more authentic relationships with territories. Only in this way will it be possible to transition from the model "Human and Nature" to the more advanced "Human as Nature".

This article was created as part of the "Biodiversity services EU expansion" project (CUP: E43D22000480009) under the Regione Lombardia "PR FESR 2021-2027 – LINEA INTERNAZIONALIZZAZIONE 21-27" call, aimed at supporting the internationalization of Italian companies. 3Bee is the naturetech company that develops innovative technologies for monitoring, protecting, and regenerating biodiversity, supporting companies in defining customized climate strategies based on the analysis of their impacts and dependencies on nature. With a consolidated portfolio in Italy, Germany, and France and notable partnerships, 3Bee continues its expansion into international markets to create a concrete impact through technology.