All parts of the government and the whole of society must be involved in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. This is one of Ecogain's most important contributions to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's government assignment to develop Sweden's national strategy and action plan for biodiversity.
- Addressing the nature crisis is as important as addressing the climate crisis. And they need to be addressed together. The whole of society needs to be involved in the strategy, not just the authorities," says Ecogain founder Anders Enetjärn.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is currently working on a proposal for Sweden's national strategy and action plan for biodiversity and Ecogain has been given the opportunity to contribute with views and expertise.
- Ecogain is uniquely positioned with its ear to the ground when it comes to business. And the private sector has a crucial role to play. Therefore, Ecogain will of course share its insights and solutions," says Anders Enetjärn.
Biodiversity roadmaps - important support for business stakeholders
One example is Ecogain's unique experience in developing sector-specific biodiversity roadmaps. They have been an important support for companies in the same sector to work from. The opinion highlights the need for government support for roadmaps similar to the climate and fossil-free plans that exist in different sectors. There is a need for both clear expectations on business models and for the roadmaps to include specific measures against nature loss according to IPBES and the consideration hierarchy.
Eight proposals for Sweden's national biodiversity strategy and action plan.
In its summary to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Ecogain makes eight recommendations for the agency to take into account in its future work:
- Unlocking the potential of the business and financial sectors.
- Initiate a national baseline analysis of business and biodiversity.
- Establish a Swedish Nature Policy Framework.
- Stimulate industry roadmaps for biodiversity.
- Create a coordination mechanism between business, finance and government.
- Developing incentives and competitiveness to promote nature-friendly business models.
- Plan for financial transition towards biodiversity.
- Ensure feasibility and resources to support the transition.
Ecogain's opinion is based on comments and opinions from the business network Business@Biodiversity Sweden, recommendations from Business for Nature, input from the Swedish WWF, and the experience of the company's 80 or so employees specializing in nature issues.
- I hope that we inspire the agency to raise the bar for business in the national biodiversity plan," says Anders Enetjärn.
The Swedish EPA must report the assignment to the Government Offices (Ministry of Climate and Business Affairs) by November 3, 2023.
Read the full Ecogain opinion here (pdf)
