Biodiversity pays off for entrepreneurs and workers

Biodiversity pays off for entrepreneurs and workers

Biodiversity is rapidly declining in the Netherlands and around the world due to human activity. This poses a major risk to our livability, ecosystem and economic system. To stop biodiversity loss and promote recovery, a broad approach is needed from governments, entrepreneurs, workers, civil society organizations and consumers. This is stated by the SER in the guide 'Biodiversity pays off'. The guide encourages entrepreneurs and workers to contribute to biodiversity restoration through business operations, the supply chain, in collective agreements and through employee participation.

This article previously appeared at: www.groenegroeiers.nl. Image: www.groenegroeiers.nl

The handbook 'Biodiversity pays off' gives entrepreneurs and workers action perspectives along five lines: 1. Biodiversity deserves priority A vital nature is indispensable: our economy and society depend heavily on the (ecosystem) services and resources provided by nature. At the same time, biodiversity is under great pressure. Biodiversity loss poses significant ecological, financial and economic risks, as necessary ecosystem services are jeopardized.

2. Coinciding sustainability challenges require an understanding of priorities, opportunities and risks Many issues related to biodiversity, energy, raw materials, living environment, climate and labor market affect each other. It is important to use scarce resources and space intelligently and to consider the various issues in conjunction. Many new regulations are also coming down on companies to promote biodiversity restoration, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): the European sustainability reporting directive that will become mandatory for many companies starting in 2024.

3. Biodiversity restoration benefits entrepreneurs and workers Promoting biodiversity restoration reduces the vulnerability of our economic system, lowering costs and risks for businesses and governments. Biodiversity restoration also creates an attractive working environment, contributes to a positive reputation, and strengthens the business case of companies committed to sustainable and nature-inclusive products and services.

4. Every entrepreneur and worker can get started with biodiversity restoration. The guide provides ten possible actions by which entrepreneurs and workers can directly contribute to biodiversity restoration. It is important to look at their own business operations and the impact of the company in the supply chain. Essential starting points are sustainable purchasing, sustainable management of forests and fishing grounds, commitment to a circular economy, energy efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, and green working conditions.

5. Cooperation for biodiversity restoration makes even more possible Cooperation across sectors, at the branch level and with unions can be an effective approach to promoting biodiversity. Companies can also join Dutch and international initiatives to take further steps with biodiversity restoration. Employee participation Workers can draw attention to biodiversity in their organization through employee participation and make concrete proposals. The works council can also exercise its right of initiative or advice in this regard. Collective agreements can include agreements on green working conditions that can have a positive impact on biodiversity, climate and the environment.