On 4 October 2023, I had the honour of taking part in a round table discussion on the commitment of French companies to nature conservation, as part of the Pollutec trade fair in Lyon. The event, organised by Entreprises pour l’Environnement (EpE), was part of the wider Act4nature International conference, a major initiative to encourage businesses to adopt biodiversity-friendly practices.
A close link between IUCN and Act4nature International
During my speech, I highlighted the close link between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Act4nature International initiative since its launch in 2018. This initiative plays a key role in encouraging companies to take concrete steps to reduce their impact on biodiversity. Companies that join Act4nature commit to integrating nature conservation into their strategy, going far beyond mere declarations of intent.
This commitment is crucial at a time when biodiversity is under unprecedented threat. It is no longer enough to recognise the problem; it is imperative to take tangible and measurable action. I have stressed the importance of converging on collective and coordinated actions that go beyond mere greenwashing. The aim is to involve all levels of the company, from the board to those working on the ground, in a genuine and effective conservation approach.
Towards Transparent and Active Corporate Action
One of the central points of my speech was to emphasise the need for companies to make a transparent and active commitment to nature conservation. All too often, companies’ environmental initiatives are perceived as communication operations with no real impact. To avoid this, it is essential for companies to set clear indicators and targets that are regularly updated, and to report on their progress in a transparent manner.
Companies that are genuinely committed to nature conservation, in partnership with organisations such as IUCN, are leading the way. They demonstrate that it is possible to combine economic performance with respect for the environment, while meeting society’s growing expectations in terms of ecological responsibility.
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