More than 150 countries have agreed a groundbreaking global blueprint to guide how businesses understand, measure and reduce their impact on nature,
following the conclusion of a major international summit hosted by the UK in Manchester.
The agreement, reached at the 12th session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES 12), marks a pivotal moment in global efforts to align private sector activity with the protection of biodiversity. UK ministers hailed the deal as a critical step on the road to this year’s UN Biodiversity COP.
At the heart of the summit’s outcome is the approval of a new Business and Biodiversity Assessment, a comprehensive scientific framework designed to shape how companies across all sectors respond to the accelerating nature crisis.
A scientific foundation for business action
The three-year assessment was developed by 80 expert authors from every region of the world and is expected to become the authoritative global reference on how businesses depend on — and impact — biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people.
It provides governments, investors and companies with clear evidence and practical options to help them measure risks, identify opportunities and better manage their relationships with nature across global value chains.
Businesses rely heavily on healthy ecosystems for resources, resilience and long-term profitability. However, the rapid decline of nature presents growing financial, operational and reputational risks. The new assessment aims to help companies build resilience by improving how they set targets, monitor performance, and ensure transparency and accountability in their nature-related commitments.
UK leadership and economic impact
The UK government said hosting IPBES 12 underlined its ambition to lead international action on nature. The summit is estimated to have delivered £3.1 million in economic benefits to Manchester, alongside its global environmental significance.
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “Nature is the lifeblood of our economy, and the nature crisis represents a profound threat to our way of life, which is why the UK is committed to leading the way and was pleased to host this summit.
“This crucial new assessment, agreed by 150 countries, will provide a vital framework for global businesses to help them better understand the risks they face from nature degradation and the action they can take.”
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Minister Creagh both attended the summit, reinforcing the government’s commitment to integrating nature into economic decision-making.
Next steps for business and finance
The government confirmed it will continue to support private sector action on nature, building on last year’s launch of an Overarching Principles Standard for nature markets. Work will continue with the British Standards Institution to develop further investment standards, aimed at boosting investor confidence and unlocking greater funding for biodiversity protection.
Ministers also highlighted ongoing UK support for the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), which helps businesses understand and address nature-related risks within their supply chains.
As global attention turns toward the upcoming Biodiversity COP, the Manchester agreement is being widely seen as a foundational step in bringing science, finance and business together to halt and reverse nature loss.