France recognizes SBTN as a route for credible corporate nature action

As part of its objective to mobilize 5,000 companies for biodiversity by 2030, the French government’s Entreprises engagées pour la nature (EEN) program is evolving how it recognizes credible corporate nature action. 

To accelerate action, EEN is introducing “equivalency pathways” that allow companies using robust external frameworks to receive EEN recognition.

The SBTN framework is now the first initiative officially recognized as an equivalency pathway into the EEN program.

Under this approach, a company that has completed the assessment and prioritization steps of the SBTN framework will be eligible for an initial level of EEN recognition. Companies can then continue progressing by setting science-based targets for nature, which are validated by the Accountability Accelerator, SBTN’s independent validation host, and recognized by EEN as part of its continuous improvement pathway.

For companies in France, this offers another reason to begin applying SBTN’s approach now, following the example of French companies with validated progress, including Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kering, and Séché Environnement.

French companies interested in advancing through both EEN and SBTN can receive support through the Nature Transition Lab, an initiative led by WWF France and the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), with SBTN serving as a strategic partner. The Lab brings companies together to accelerate corporate action on nature, with science-based targets positioned as a key implementation mechanism.

SBTN’s recognition as the first equivalency pathway in the EEN program was announced by the French Biodiversity Agency at the Lab’s annual event on May 19, 2026.