The Case for Adopting a Nature-Positive Business Strategy

More than one million species are currently facing extinction to various degrees, accelerating the biodiversity loss crisis the world is currently dealing with. For many businesses, this is a material challenge. The value of nature to the global economy is massive, with up to $44 trillion (£32.48 trillion) in GDP value being moderately or highly dependent on it. Recently, many organisations have been adopting a nature-positive business strategy to address the effects of biodiversity loss. The result is a strategic framework that integrates the restoration of ecosystems into the heart of decision-making in business. 

What is a Nature-Positive Business Strategy  

A nature-positive business strategy is a systematic approach that prioritises actions across a company’s value chain to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Unlike traditional sustainability models that aim to reduce harm, nature positivity is about regenerating ecosystems and achieving measurable biodiversity gains. 

Research from the Institute of Sustainability Studies states that such a strategy is rooted in three core principles: 

• No net loss by 2030 and net positive thereafter 

• Full integration of nature considerations into corporate governance and decision-making 

• Alignment with global frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), biodiversity framework and nature positive by 2030 targets 

This strategy has the potential to transform how a company evaluates risk, allocates capital and creates long-term value for clients, investors, employees and other stakeholders. 

Why Nature Positivity Matters Now 

Nature risk could equal business risk 

The loss of important ecological services like pollination, cleaning water, soil fertility and carbon sequestration put business continuity and supply chain resilience at risk. Extreme weather events like deforestation and land degradation are increasing the frequency of floods, wildfires and droughts. A corporation can proffer solutions, handle ecological risk and become more resilient to shocks from nature by adopting a nature-positive business strategy. 

Increased regulatory requirements 

The global policy landscape is rapidly converging around nature, with the most regulations being: 

• The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted at COP15 includes Target 15, requiring businesses to assess and disclose impacts and dependencies on nature 

• The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) released its final recommendations in 2023, setting a new global standard for nature-related risk reporting 

• In the UK, biodiversity net gain (BNG) is now mandatory for most developments under the Environment Act 2021 

• The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires nature-related disclosures for over 50,000 companies 

Already having a nature-positive business strategy in place positions a company ahead of compliance and enables proactive engagement with these frameworks. 

Renewed investor and consumer pressure 

Investors are beginning to integrate nature risk into ESG assessments, with initiatives like Nature Action 100 calling on companies to act on biodiversity. At the same time, consumers are rewarding nature positive companies that demonstrate leadership in sustainability and ecological regeneration. Nature-related risks are also being factored into sovereign credit ratings, potentially affecting the cost of capital. For instance, it is predicted that the collapse of nature in countries like China and India could increase annual interest payments on debt by up to US$53 billion (£39.4 billion) a year. 

Learn More: How Science-Based Targets for Nature Promote Biodiversity Conservation 

The Business Benefits for Nature-Positive Strategies 

Companies that adopt a nature-positive business strategy can get a lot of real and intangible benefits, such as: 

• Access to ESG-aligned capital: Financial institutions are aligning portfolios with climate and nature outcomes. Disclosing nature impacts via the TNFD can improve investor confidence and access to green finance. 

• Enhanced supply chain resilience: Ecosystem degradation can cause water scarcity, raw material shortages and price volatility. Nature positive pathways, such as habitat restoration and sustainable sourcing, stabilise supply chains. 

• First mover advantage in regulation: Early adoption of nature-related assessments, action plans and targets ensure readiness for upcoming compliance requirements and avoids reputational or legal penalties. 

• Market differentiation: Businesses that demonstrate true biodiversity stewardship differentiate themselves in a crowded ESG landscape. Case in point: leading consumer brands are adopting regenerative agriculture and circular packaging to boost brand equity. 

• Employee engagement and purpose: Sustainability and purpose-led initiatives could significantly enhance employee motivation and retention, particularly among younger, more eco-conscious talent. Being part of a nature positive company can be meaningful for employees. 

Learn More: The Economic Benefits of Biodiversity 

What Makes Up a Nature-Positive Business Strategy  

It takes a methodical, scientifically based approach to develop a nature-positive business strategy that is both believable and successful. Key components include: 

Step 1: Map and Manage Biodiversity Impacts 

Evaluate both direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity across your operations and supply chain. Create a biodiversity baseline to help determine key insights from data collected. Include metrics for species diversity, habitat connectivity and ecosystem function. 

Step 2: Set Science-Based Targets for Nature 

Align with frameworks like the GBF and the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) to set goals for freshwater use, ecosystem restoration and species recovery. These must be location-specific and measurable. 

Step 3: Integrate Nature into Strategy and Governance 

Board-level accountability, cross-departmental collaboration and dedicated funding are crucial. Nature should be embedded in investment decisions, product development and risk management. 

Step 4: Measure, Monitor and Disclose Progress 

Use geospatial data, satellite imagery and ecological indicators to track outcomes. Disclose performance via ESG reports, TNFD disclosures or integrated sustainability frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). 

Aligning with Global Nature Frameworks 

To ensure consistency and credibility, a nature-positive business strategy must align with key global frameworks: 

This standardisation lets businesses compare their performance, avoid greenwashing, and disclose progress to regulators and stakeholders in a way that everyone can understand.

The Bottom Line

As nature risk becomes boardroom risk, the firms who lead on biodiversity will be the ones that are better positioned, more recognised and really make a difference in the future. Adopting a nature-positive business strategy offers a chance to future-proof operations and lead the transformation toward a regenerative, resilient economy. At Tunley Environmental, we offer an evidence-based framework to help companies transition their operations through detailed research and data-driven insights. Our comprehensive nature positive pathways methodology supports clients through biodiversity baselining, risk, risk assessment and strategy development aligned with TNFD and GBF. Learn more about what pathway is best for your business here.