A model for corporate nature conservation and sector-specific biodiversity roadmaps in Finland

Summary

This report presents a concise framework for accelerating corporate nature conservation efforts and strengthening sector-specific biodiversity roadmaps in Finland. At the heart of the framework are a phased approach (assess–commit–renew–report) and the role of the roadmaps as shared, sector-specific guidance.

This work is linked to the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the EU’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI), which supports Member States in preparing biodiversity financing plans and the measures underpinning them. Furthermore, the work supports Finland’s national objective of reducing activities that cause biodiversity loss.

Companies are already engaged in nature conservation work, but for many, the practical implementation remains fragmented and burdensome. Key challenges for many companies include the difficulty of interpreting requirements and the frameworks used in nature-related work, a lack of reliable and comparable data (particularly within value chains), and limited time and expertise resources for launching and systematising such work. Companies are seeking clear and concrete examples, as well as easy-to-implement tools and operating models, to help integrate nature-based perspectives into their strategy and day-to-day decision-making. For this reason, a shared, step-by-step roadmap (assess–commit–renew–report) is useful: it breaks down a complex whole into manageable parts and helps to link the work to existing frameworks and tools.

Sector-specific roadmaps can accelerate companies’ nature conservation efforts if they provide a situational picture of the current situation, prioritised actions, indicators and a phased timeline, whilst also supporting implementation. The impact of roadmaps is enhanced when they are linked to a clear national direction (biodiversity strategy) and when their implementation is reinforced through expertise, peer learning and practical tools.

The recommended approach can be summarised in four complementary areas:

1. Firstly, the national biodiversity strategy will be finalised as a common framework (priorities, concepts, objectives and interim targets) to provide businesses and sectors with a clear direction and consistent expectations.
   
2. Secondly, sector-specific roadmaps will be updated and expanded through a coordinated process to ensure that their situational picture, prioritisation and monitoring are consistent and comparable.
   
3. Thirdly, support for implementation – expertise, peer learning, practical examples and tools – will be strengthened so that the guidance translates into day-to-day decisions and actions within companies.
   
4. Fourthly, the availability and interoperability of nature data will be improved so that assessment, monitoring and reporting can be carried out credibly and the administrative burden remains reasonable.

Once implemented in its entirety, this will enhance the quality of the roadmaps and accelerate companies’ transition towards nature-positive operations.

Contact us

Samuli Puroila

Eero Jalava

Senior Lead, Foresight and Training