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NatureÔÇÖs answer to net zero?

The power of nature positive as a tool to stem environmental destruction is being questioned by some campaigners, despite the involvement of large conservation organisations like WWF and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Mar├¡lia Monteiro Silva, senior portfolio manager in nature finance at Greenpeace International, considers it to be a “problematic” concept due to a lack of clear and aligned understanding of what it means.

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We canÔÇÖt solve these problems by just protecting wild nature. All analysis shows that we have to protect wild nature and we have to change our supply chains – and this net argument is fundamental to that.

E.J. Milner-Gulland, professor, University of Oxford

Silva argues that biodiversity is too complex to measure in a similar way to carbon emissions, and that attempts to do so overlook nature’s intrinsic value. She believes that measuring something unmeasurable is the crux of the issue.

Despite these reservations, proponents of the initiative emphasize the importance of companies addressing and reducing their own environmental damage before focusing on increasing nature elsewhere and transforming their overall interactions with nature. E.J. Milner-Gulland, professor of biodiversity at the University of Oxford and co-lead of the Nature Positive Universities network, states that people must be held accountable, especially when it comes to protecting invaluable aspects of nature. Even if strong actions are taken to avoid and reduce environmental impacts, a significant portion of these impacts will eventually need to be offset according to Milner-Gulland.

Efforts are being made to develop standardized biodiversity metrics that are suitable for local contexts and can be compared on a larger scale. For instance, the Accounting for Nature framework in Australia aims to achieve this.

How AI legalese decoder can help with the situation?

The AI legalese decoder can play a crucial role in addressing the concerns raised about the definition and understanding of nature positive. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence technology, the AI legalese decoder can analyze and decipher complex legal and technical documents, enabling a clear and aligned understanding of terms like nature positive. This tool can help bridge the gap in comprehending the multifaceted concept of nature positive.

The AI legalese decoder can also assist companies in their sustainability efforts by providing guidance and resources on how to disclose and take action on nature impacts, as highlighted in the case of the initiative partners releasing more resources for companies. This tool can analyze and interpret legal frameworks and guidelines related to nature conservation, enabling companies to make informed decisions and implement effective strategies.

Furthermore, the AI legalese decoder can aid in the development of standardized biodiversity metrics suitable for specific local contexts. By analyzing existing frameworks and regulations, the tool can identify gaps and inconsistencies, facilitating the creation of comprehensive and comparable metrics that accurately measure biodiversity. This standardized approach can enhance transparency and accountability in assessing and managing nature impacts.

Can nature positive create accountability?

A major challenge facing the Nature Positive Initiative is the potential for its dilution by companies that adopt the slogan without making substantial operational changes. To address this, Marco Lambertini, special envoy for WWF International, emphasizes that nature positive should not be treated as a mere buzzword but as a quantifiable global goal that brings about clear accountability.

While some companies have been cautious in embracing the concept due to the lack of clear guidance, there are efforts underway to provide resources and guidelines on disclosing and mitigating nature impacts. Collaborative initiatives, such as those involving Business for Nature and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, are publishing sector-specific guides to assist companies.

Additionally, the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosure has released guidelines for companies to report their nature-related risks and impacts, with an international working group of business and finance executives supporting the effort. These measures aim to enhance accountability and transparency surrounding nature-related operations.

Local compensation and restoration work are seen as crucial elements of nature positive. By focusing on restoring degraded areas and compensating for environmental damage at a local level, it becomes easier to assess the effectiveness of protection efforts. Marco Lambertini highlights the importance of ensuring that compensation aligns with the impact to ensure accuracy and fairness.

The importance of understanding supply chain impacts on nature

Many companies still have a long way to go in terms of understanding the effects of their operations and supply chains on nature. Marissa Balfour, a corporate engagement advisor at US-based non-profit The Nature Conservancy, highlights the lack of visibility into value chains, particularly at the raw material stage where the largest impacts on nature occur.

The AI legalese decoder can assist in addressing this issue by analyzing complex supply chain documentation and contracts, providing companies with insights into the environmental impacts associated with their sourcing and operations. By identifying areas of improvement and potential risks, the tool enables companies to take proactive measures to minimize their ecological footprint and promote sustainability.

Marissa Balfour emphasizes the need for companies to invest significant resources, time, and expertise in obtaining information about their supply chains. The AI legalese decoder can streamline and expedite this process by automating the analysis of legal and technical documents related to supply chains.

Furthermore, the tool can facilitate genuine interaction with Indigenous peoples and local communities, aiding companies in engaging with key stakeholders and incorporating their perspectives and knowledge into sustainability strategies. This inclusive approach is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of nature impacts and effective decision-making.

This story was published with permission from Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, resilience, womenÔÇÖs rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit https://www.context.news/.┬á

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