Biodiversity as the key to future viability: a corporate management task
Biodiversity is not just a component of sustainability reports but a central economic factor and the very foundation of life for societies worldwide. This has been emphasized by Dr. Verena Timmer and Dr. Ulrike Eberle in a new contribution for „Kleine Kniffe“. Anyone who ignores biodiversity in their business model jeopardises its supply capacity, quality and economic competitiveness, and thereby also determines its long-term viability.
Yet, what exactly means biodiversity? Biodiversity encompasses the diversity of ecosystems, species and genetic resources. It describes the variety of life on earth – spanning from microorganisms to plants and animals, as well as to the complex ecosystems, such as forests, water bodies, and agricultural landscapes. Biodiversity is the foundation of resilient ecosystems, which provide us with clean air, water, food and resources. At the same time, it protects us from extreme weather events, regulates the climate and bolsters resistance to diseases. Without biodiversity, life as we know it, would not be possible. Likewise, it creates the essential foundation for all economic action.
However, the biological diversity is threatened worldwide – due to climate change, soil sealing, monocultures in the agriculture sector, pollution and excessive consumption of natural resources. This also applies to businesses and organisations in the healthcare sector: Hospitals and care facilities have a direct and indirect impact on ecosystems through their consumption of resources, the volume of waste they generate and their use of chemicals. The main impact arises within the supply chain.
Therefore, biodiversity is not a niche issue, rather it is decisive for the long-term viability of businesses. If biodiversity is recognised as a key economic risk as well as a competitive factor, the resulting corporate responsibility is clear. But how can this responsibility be actively implemented within a company?
“An insect hotel on company property or charitable projects are not enough to effectively protect biodiversity. Biodiversity cannot be checked off as a single activity – it must become a management priority and involve the supply chain,” says Dr Ulrike Eberle, biodiversity expert and managing director of corsus.
Like any other theme that needs to be managed, biodiversity must also be integrated into the management cycle: Where are we? Where do we want to be? Which measures will help us to reach our goals? What budgets are required? How can we measure progress? Are additional adjustments necessary? In other words, biodiversity must be dynamically and continuously embedded in existing steering and decision-making processes. The value chain plays a central role here, as anyone aiming to manage biodiversity must understand their own value chain. The authors emphasize that systematic tracing back to the region of origin is essential for transparency. This allows the identification of supply chains and regions with the highest need for action. Initial measures can includes introducing a code of conduct that addresses biodiversity or using certified products.
Additionally, measuring the biodiversity footprint or collaborating with suppliers, such in agriculture or in the mining industry can contribute to the protection of biodiversity. A systematic biodiversity management begins by sensitising the own employees and suppliers and by integrating biodiversity criteria in the supply chain evaluation step by step. Practical instruments, such as the biodiversity footprint, support the process by creating transparency and by showing direct entry points for a continuous process of improvement.
The contribution underscores that biodiversity is not just a management task. It is the key for a company’s viability and resilience. Those who systematically anchor biodiversity in the sustainability management not only protect and secure living ecosystems, but also safeguard one’s own economic competitiveness, efficiency, and society’s foundation for life.
corsus advises on how to integrate biodiversity into business strategies, how to measure biodiversity impacts at the product or entire product portfolio level, and how to effectively implement biodiversity into supply chain management.
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