How Adopting Nature-Positive Strategies Can Benefit Businesses

As the global economy moves toward more sustainable practices, the concept of being "nature-positive" has emerged as a transformative framework for businesses. A nature-positive strategy focuses on halting and reversing nature loss, while enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health. Companies that embrace this approach are not only contributing to the health of the planet but are also unlocking significant operational, financial, and reputational benefits.

In this article, we explore the meaning of nature-positive strategies, key trends shaping the movement, and why businesses that adopt them are likely to become more resilient, innovative, and competitive in the long run.

What Does It Mean to Be Nature-Positive?

Being nature-positive means going beyond sustainability. While sustainable development aims to minimize harm, nature-positive strategies are about active restoration and regeneration of natural systems. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a nature-positive economy is one where economic activity results in an overall gain in biodiversity and ecosystem health.

In practice, this involves:

• Restoring degraded ecosystems

• Conserving key biodiversity areas

• Managing land, freshwater, and ocean use responsibly

• Integrating natural capital into business and financial decision-making

The Business Case for Nature-Positive Strategies

1. Enhanced Risk Management

Nature loss presents a systemic risk to business operations. According to the World Economic Forum, over half of the global GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. Nature degradation can lead to:

• Raw material shortages

• Supply chain disruptions

• Increased regulatory pressure

• Legal and reputational risks

By investing in nature-positive actions, businesses can reduce exposure to these risks and increase long-term resilience.

2. Improved Supply Chain Resilience

Nature-positive strategies often require mapping and assessing the environmental impact of supply chains. This visibility helps companies identify vulnerabilities and work with suppliers to develop more robust, regenerative practices. For example:

• Agricultural businesses adopting regenerative farming practices to improve soil health

• Apparel brands sourcing materials from biodiversity-friendly suppliers

• Food and beverage companies protecting watersheds and pollinators

Such initiatives enhance the reliability and sustainability of supply chains, making businesses more adaptable in the face of environmental and economic shocks.

3. Financial Performance and Investment Opportunities

Investors are increasingly prioritizing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, with nature-positive factors playing a growing role. Financial institutions and asset managers are developing tools to assess nature-related risks and opportunities, in alignment with frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

Nature-positive companies can:

• Attract green finance and impact investment

• Benefit from preferential lending terms

• Increase shareholder value through long-term resource security

Furthermore, proactive engagement in ecosystem services—such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and flood mitigation—can reduce operational costs and open up new revenue streams.

4. Regulatory Readiness and Market Access

Governments are stepping up nature-related policies and regulations. Examples include:

• The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030

• Mandatory biodiversity reporting requirements

• National Nature Recovery Plans

By aligning early with nature-positive goals, businesses can stay ahead of regulatory compliance, gain access to public incentives, and ensure continued access to markets with stringent environmental standards.

5. Brand Differentiation and Consumer Trust

Consumers are increasingly aware of biodiversity loss and are demanding more from brands. Companies that demonstrate leadership in nature-positive initiatives can:

• Build deeper customer loyalty

• Enhance brand equity and market share

• Engage in purpose-driven storytelling that resonates with stakeholders

Transparency, authenticity, and tangible impact are key to earning consumer trust in the nature-positive era.

Key Elements of a Nature-Positive Business Strategy

To effectively transition to a nature-positive model, businesses should consider the following pillars:

1. Nature Risk and Opportunity Assessment

• Map dependencies and impacts on nature across value chains

• Use tools such as the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) and the TNFD framework

• Prioritize material nature risks and opportunities

2. Strategic Goal Setting

• Define science-based targets for nature, such as zero net deforestation or freshwater neutrality

• Align goals with global frameworks like the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN)

3. Integration into Business Functions

• Embed nature-positive goals in procurement, R&D, product development, and operations

• Train employees and suppliers on nature-positive practices

• Use natural capital accounting to inform business decisions

4. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with NGOs, local communities, and indigenous groups

• Join industry coalitions and cross-sectoral initiatives

• Support landscape and seascape-scale restoration efforts

5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Transparency

• Regularly measure progress against nature targets

• Publish transparent biodiversity reports

• Engage stakeholders in adaptive learning and feedback loops

Case Studies: Nature-Positive in Action

Coorest: Tokenizing Carbon Removal with Verified Biodiversity Benefits

Coorest uses blockchain technology to create verifiable nature-positive carbon credits. Their model ensures real tree planting and biodiversity protection, allowing businesses to offset emissions while supporting ecosystem health.

Earth Finance: Nature-Positive Consulting for Corporates

Earth Finance works with corporations to design and implement nature-positive strategies that align with financial goals. Their approach helps companies operationalize nature goals and measure real-world impact.

Fashion and Food Industries: From Footprint to Positive Impact

Brands like Kering and Nestlé are pioneering nature-positive supply chains, using regenerative agriculture and biodiversity indicators to manage impact and create value.

The Future of Nature-Positive Business

The shift to a nature-positive economy represents one of the most significant transformations in business strategy in recent decades. Looking ahead, several trends will define the future landscape:

1. Convergence of Climate and Nature Goals: Businesses will increasingly integrate climate and nature strategies into unified sustainability plans.

2. Digitalization of Nature Data: AI, satellite imaging, and blockchain will enhance tracking and verification of nature-positive impacts.

3. New Business Models: Circular economy, ecosystem service marketplaces, and green innovation hubs will drive value creation.

4. Global Standards and Accountability: International frameworks will demand greater transparency and accountability in corporate biodiversity actions.

5. Investor Pressure and Fiduciary Duty: Investors will expect companies to address nature risks as a core part of fiduciary responsibility.

Getting Started: Steps for Business Leaders

1. Build Awareness: Educate leadership and employees about the nature-positive concept and its strategic relevance.

2. Assess Dependencies: Identify how business operations depend on and impact natural ecosystems.

3. Set Ambitious Targets: Commit to measurable, science-based nature goals.

4. Invest in Innovation: Leverage technologies and partnerships to accelerate impact.

5. Communicate Clearly: Share progress and challenges transparently to build stakeholder trust.

Conclusion: Nature-Positive is Good Business

Nature-positive strategies are more than an ethical imperative—they are a smart business strategy. Companies that proactively protect and restore nature can better manage risks, reduce costs, attract investment, and earn the loyalty of consumers.

In a world of mounting environmental challenges, nature-positive businesses will be the pioneers of a more resilient, inclusive, and regenerative economy. Those who act now will be best positioned to thrive in the nature-positive decade ahead.

References:

• Earth Finance: Nature-Positive Business Strategy

• Business for Nature

• Coorest: Nature-Positive Initiatives Guide

• Climate Insider: Frontier of Nature-Positive Business

• IUCN: Nature-Positive Economy

• World Economic Forum: Nature-Positive Companies