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III. Presentations: Policy Context: Biodiversity and resource efficiency – Sebastian Winkler__________________ III. Presentations 1. The Policy context: Biodiversity and resource efficiency Presentation by Sebastian Winkler, Global Footprint Network Sebastian provided an overview of the evolving global and EU policy context which potentially would entail greater collaboration between companies and NGOs. At the global level and in the lead up to Rio+20, the Green Economy (UNEP) and Green Growth (OECD) initiatives are key policy areas. At the European level, this is expressed through the Resource Efficiency Strategy, one of the seven EU 2020 flagship initiatives. The strategy aims to transform European production and consumption towards resource-efficiency. In September 2011, the Commission will publish a roadmap of how to achieve this aim. The door for input on concrete targets and actions is open for all stakeholders. Defining the targets and implementing the actions will only be possible through an informed dialogue between companies and NGOs. He stressed that ownership and trust are critical for delivery. In May 2011, the EU 2020 biodiversity strategy was published, which calls amongst others, for better protection for ecosytems and a stronger involvement of the private sector in biodiversity conservation. The economic crisis may be an opportunity to transform companies towards resourceefficient production beyond mere CSR activities. Raw materials and ecosystem services are becoming increasingly scarce and may not be available in the future anymore. Many companies are ill equipped to deal with these new challenges and partnerships with NGOs may provide beneficial for both partners and the environment. In general, NGOs are more trusted than companies to bring about positive change. Why working with the private sector… During the past two decades, partnerships between companies and NGOs have become more common. Although both partners have their own motivations, they are joined in the aim to induce positive change. The main drivers for companies are a better image, an increased business market and preparedness for new legislative requirements. The EU 2020 agenda presents itself as a vehicle to align these goals with the objectives of NGOs. Finally, Sebastian outlines the most important lessons he learned from his experiences of forming partnerships with companies: � Clear rules of collaboration are essential for a successful partnership. � A pro-active, future oriented agenda needs to be agreed upon. � SMEs should not be forgotten as potential partners. 4
III. Presentations: Mainstreaming of biodiversity in the business sector in Europe – Daan Wensing___________ 2. Mainstreaming of biodiversity in the business sector in Europe Presentation by Daan Wensing,IUCN the Netherlands, Leaders for Nature Daan started with a brief description of IUCN’s background in the Netherlands. During the past years, it almost entirely relied upon government funding which left the organisation vulnerable to budget cuts. In 2010, the government funding was reduced drastically, so that half of its staff was made redundant. IUCN in the Netherlands was thoroughly reorganised and a more diverse funding base was created by involving companies. One of the new initiatives is Leaders for Nature. It is an international learning and action oriented network for current and future business leaders of 19 companies, which was created by decisive action of about 90 young professionals who www.leadersfornature.nl wrote a letter to their CEOs calling for more attention on biodiversity and ecosystem services. When those companies did not act, the young professionals lobbied more intensively and in collaboration with IUCN in the Netherlands, Leaders for Nature was established. In the beginning, membership was free and the focus was on raising awareness among companies about biodiversity and ecosystem services. After a while it became apparent that awareness-raising was not enough to facilitate change. The focus has shifted towards designing targets and implementing action plans. The meetings are not public. They are organised by and for the participating companies, targeting CEOs, senior management and young professionals. Many of the first members were consulting agencies. Today, the membership base encompasses almost all corporate sectors. The programme of Leaders for Nature covers different business to business meetings: master classes, Leaders for Nature forums, inspiration meetings and best practice sessions. Overall, the initiative focuses on the importance of ecosystems and biodiversity for the business society; the importance of integrating sustainability within the core business taking into consideration the principle of ecosystem thinking; and the importance of showing leadership within various management levels regarding Corporate Social Responsibility. Leaders for Nature is an initiative that was started by the private sector calling for more attention for biodiversity and ecosystem services. (source: Leaders for Nature) 5
Page 1 and 2: Proceedings of the Workshop and the
Page 3 and 4: Table of Contents__________________
Page 5: II. Programme______________________
Page 9 and 10: III. Presentations: How can NGOs de
Page 11 and 12: IV. World Café Results ___________
Page 13 and 14: V. Conclusion______________________
Page 15: www.business-biodiversity.eu Coordi

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