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Our natural world is severely threatened by mankind's insatiable demand for resources. The private sector has a huge impact on biodiversity through its use of natural resources, such as timber, soil and water, and extracted resources, such as minerals, oils and gas. Consumption is also being driven by our sheer numbers: the global population has more than tripled in 50 years to over 6.5 billion.
As a whole, businesses are using up raw materials far more quickly than the planet can replenish them – having devastating impacts on species and ecosystems around the world. Ironically, those sectors with the highest impact – mining, oil and gas, agriculture, food and drink, tobacco – often rely on the very resources they are depleting.
The private sector is beginning to wake up to its reliance on the natural world. During the past 15 years, many corporations have begun to realise that securing a long-term profit means taking the environment into account. Businesses are starting to understand the financial risks they face if they continue overexploiting the resources they need for long-term growth. There is now a growing and urgent demand for environmental stewardship and sustainability in the private sector – evidenced by a greater response to, and increased investment in, these issues.
Organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council and the Marine Stewardship Council have made great inroads into supply chains across entire business sectors, helping consumers to speak their minds through their purses. Businesses also stand to gain from getting serious about sustainability, through boosting their competitiveness, increasing their profits and improving their reputation.
However, more needs to be done. Truly sustainable development requires businesses to incorporate biodiversity into all stages of resource use: from concept, to exploration, development, operation and closure. They must analyse where and how they get resources and then find alternatives if the status quo is not environmentally sustainable.
Find out how FFI is engaging with businesses to help them reduce their impact on biodiversity.
“If you value the natural world, if you believe it should be conserved for its own sake as well as for humanity’s, then do please support FFI.” Sir David Attenborough, FFI Vice President. Please support us today.
FFI’s world-renowned conservation journal, Oryx, is packed with scientific papers, conservation news, comment and discussion. Receive Oryx by joining FFI today.
