Target setting process questions
Here we provide answers to common technical questions that companies have as they are going through the target-setting process.
Measure, Set, & Disclose Land targets
The land methods comprise a suite of three targets designed to work together to incentivize synergistic actions that contribute to nature goals in land systems.
Adoption by companies of these land targets will be a leap forward in voluntary corporate accountability by bringing working lands – 64% of Earth’s habitable land – into the environmental agenda.
No Conversion of Natural Ecosystems target
The No Conversion of Natural Ecosystems target addresses land use change. Companies setting this target will avoid all further conversion of lands that were considered to be natural in 2020 after a target year that will vary between 2025 and 2030, depending on the context.
Land Footprint Reduction target
The Land Footprint Reduction target addresses land use and is focused only on agricultural land. Companies setting this target will reduce the total agricultural land footprint associated with their direct operations and upstream value chains.
Landscape Engagement target
The Landscape Engagement target can address different pressure indicators, including land use, land use change, and soil pollution. Companies setting this target will collaborate with established local partners in priority landscapes toward improving a range of ecological and social indicators defined in alignment with these partners.
Companies will have different requirements for setting these targets, based on the materiality of their land related pressures (including land-related greenhouse gas emissions), their size, and their designated economic sector.
After completing Step 3 Land you will have:
- Quantified your baselines for both the conversion of natural lands and land footprint of your activities.
- Collaborated with relevant stakeholder groups for landscape scale engagement.
- Calculated targets for avoiding conversion of natural ecosystems and reducing your land footprint, in accordance with the needs of nature.
How is Biodiversity Addressed in Step 3 Land?
The Land targets address and contribute to biodiversity goals through different mechanisms. Overall, the targets support biodiversity by directly addressing major drivers of land degradation, such as habitat conversion and land use change, and also promoting positive outcomes by encouraging landscape-level restoration, pollution reduction, and collaborative action through engaging with stakeholders. Explore each individual target’s page for more information.
Feasibility options help companies take action sooner
- Start setting targets where you have the required data
- Start with targets only in specific issue areas (Land, Freshwater, Ocean)
- Start with targets only in specific value chain segments (direct operations or upstream)
“A no conversion commitment is far beyond our current no deforestation commitment and is a huge change that will come through science-based targets.”
Public consultation on draft guidance for Version 2 Land targets
The SBTN Land Hub published draft technical guidance for Version 2 of the Land science-based targets. A public consultation on the draft was held between April 29 – May 27, 2025. Resulting Version 2 targets will be available in 2026.
- Useful resources
- Step 3 Land Technical Guidance V1
- Step 3 Land Supplementary Materials
- Natural Lands MapThis app visualizes the SBTN Natural Lands Map, which is intended to be used in the Science Based Targets Network target on "no conversion of natural ecosystems.
- SBTN Natural Lands Map – Technical DocumentationThis document should be reviewed to support effective use of the SBTN Natural Lands Map
- Land - Technical FAQs
- Step 3 Land Validation Requirements and Recommendations v1.0A guide to prepare you for the validation process
- Step 3 Land data templateValidation resources are now available on the Accountability Accelerator website
- Conceptual Guidance - Remediation of Converted LandTwo-page conceptual guidance for land remediation, in alignment with the SBTN No Conversion of Natural Ecosystems target
- Setting Land Targets - Practical GuideThis slide deck is designed for companies actively progressing through the Step 3 Land methods. It helps apply and contextualize the methods while answering common questions.
- Land Accounting Guidelines - Draft for Public ConsultationThese Accounting Guidelines for Impacts on Land-use and the Environment (AGILE) will help companies calculate land impacts for target-setting. They are currently available in draft format - shared as part of the V2 Land targets public consultation in Q2 2025.