Action Unlocked: Driving Corporate Change with Validated Science-Based Targets for Nature

At COP16’s Nature Positive Pavilion, organized by the Nature Positive Initiative, the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) shared corporate insights and latest outcomes from its year-long target validation pilot, while its new target validation host, the Accountability Accelerator, outlined plans for its upcoming target validation services.

Read the event recap here.

In 2023, a group of trail-blazing companies began piloting the first science-based targets for nature, including testing the target validation process. With the recent conclusion of this corporate pilot, SBTN has demonstrated the viability of science-based targets for nature, with the first companies progressing towards bold, ambitious action to halt and reverse nature loss. The pilot also provided SBTN with valuable insights into improving the validation process, leading to the adoption of an independent, mid-term validation model to be led by the Accountability Accelerator (the Accelerator).

During this session, SBTN and participating pilot companies shared key insights from the pilot and outline next steps. The Accelerator presented its plans for launching a new target validation service, including its collaboration with Deloitte on developing a Validation Platform designed to ensure a secure and rigorous submission and target validation process. Additionally, the Accelerator highlighted its adherence to best practice governance and assurance guidance from ISEAL.

Speakers included:

• Stephanie Cárdenas, Senior Manager / Sustainability & ESG Services, Deloitte USA
• Rao Fu, Head of Corporate Sustainability Consulting, EBP Schweiz AG
• Natasha Matic, Executive Director, Accountability Accelerator
• Dr Rebecca Shaw, Chief Scientist, WWF
• Rachel Kolbe Semhoun, Head of Sustainable Sourcing & Nature Initiatives, Kering
• Harumichi Seta, General Manager, Sustainability Management Division at Suntory
• Varsha Vijay, Technical Director, SBTN

Location: Nature Positive Pavilion, Blue Zone, COP16 (Cali, Colombia). Please note: entry to the Blue Zone is limited to official delegations from member countries, and accredited observers (registration is now closed)

Session registration: No registration is required

Live stream available: Nature Positive Initiative website and Nature Positive Initiative YouTube channel