WBCSD Annual Review 2006 NEW.qxp - Sustentabilidad.uai.edu.ar

The publication highlights the need for companies to transform business models
and operations if they are to avoid major economic losses from degradation of
ecosystem services. It is based on findings and projections from the MA and
interviews with business leaders to assess the implications and strategies needed
to respond to environmental challenges. It promotes the importance of
assessing impacts and dependency, exploring and pursuing new business
opportunities, and reducing impacts and scaling up solutions.
Moving forward
The Greater Bilby, a
threatened species
reintroduced to BHP
Billiton’s Arid Recovery
Reserve,
Australia.
We plan to complete in 2007 a complementary report on market-mechanisms
for ecosystem services. We only conserve what we value, and what has a value
has a price. How are we to conserve, protect or restore ecosystem services if
they are a freely available public good This report and much of our ecosystems
work is done with partners, particularly IUCN, with which we have a
Memorandum of Understanding.
But market mechanisms alone will not be strong enough to fight back the
increasing degradation of ecosystems on which we depend. We also need policy
frameworks for ecosystems and their services, which requires constructive
collaboration and innovation between business, governments and NGOs, as this
will deliver better outcomes for business, society and nature.
The new Ecosystems Focus Area will grow from these activities central to the
SEI’s work:
• Awareness raising in partnership with NGOs;
• Developing the Ecosystem Service Review guidelines;
• Sharing best practice company response strategies and approaches;
• Championing market-based approaches that support the sustainable
management and use of ecosystems.
BC Hydro, DNV, Rio Tinto, Shell and Syngenta formed the SEI’s leadership group
during 2006.
Main habitat features at
Chevron’s Pembroke
refinery, UK.
Bat roosts
Coastal wood and scrub belt
Grassland, hedgerow
and skylark habitat
Marsh
24
St Mary’ s Church
Environmental Centre
Marsh
Mature native
woodland