In today’s business landscape, the natural environment is more than just a backdrop; it is an essential component of the value chain. In South Africa, the National Biodiversity and Business Network (NBBN) plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between various stakeholders to promote biodiversity conservation.
Founded in 2013 by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), the NBBN is a unique consortium that brings together businesses, government entities, NPOs and academic institutions. This multifaceted network recognises the critical importance of biodiversity to business sustainability. As such, it works to empower organisations to become proactive agents of conservation.
With partnerships that initially included major players such as De Beers, Nedbank and Pick n Pay, the network has expanded its reach to include companies such as Eskom, Glencore, Shoprite, Mondi and Anglo-American.
One of the NBBN’s primary goals is to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary to manage their ecological footprint. Through training sessions and e-learning courses led by national and international experts, companies gain insights into biodiversity assessments, risk management and how to develop targets and action plans.
Promoting sustainable business practices
The NBBN facilitates initiatives aimed at helping businesses incorporate biodiversity thinking and practices into their operations. By conducting biodiversity assessments and offering sector-specific workshops, the network helps businesses tailor their strategies to align with environmental sustainability. It publishes annual ratings reports on the biodiversity performance of South African corporates.
Collaboration is at the heart of the NBBN’s activities, evident in its ongoing projects with both the private and public sectors. The NBBN represents South Africa on the UN’s Global Partnerships for Business and Biodiversity, and shares insights globally aimed at helping businesses minimise their ecological impact effectively.
The Business Action and Advocacy for the Planet project is supported by the Global Environment Facility and implemented in conjunction with Conservation International. It aims to foster dialogue between businesses and the South African government, driving policy ambitions to achieve a sustainable economy by 2030.
Join the movement
The NBBN welcomes companies and nonprofits to join its ranks and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to biodiversity conservation. From joining free dialogues and events to participating in business advisory groups, organisations can choose the level of engagement, encouraging a diverse range of stakeholders to participate in this essential CSI work.
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Source: The original version of this article was published in the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook 2024 (27th edition).