July-Aug 2025 Newsletter

Around the world with science-based targets for nature

Dear Colleague, 

An important goal for the Network this year has been to strengthen our capacity-building efforts – equipping leaders around the world with the skills and knowledge they need to advance science-based targets for nature.

In line with this ambition, I’m pleased to share that SBTN is now supporting nine regional initiatives, led by local partners. These initiatives strengthen our capacity building efforts by building regional awareness of SBTN, translating guidance, and supporting readiness for action. They’re collectively reaching over 500 participants from NGO’s, consultancies, and companies worldwide.

This is just the beginning. There’s still much to do to ensure science-based targets for nature are being adopted across the globe. But, with the continued support of our partners, we are moving in the right direction. I look forward to sharing more as this work evolves. You can learn more about our existing regional initiatives – and how you can get involved – here. 

Looking ahead, we are excited about upcoming opportunities to connect at major global convenings, including Climate Week NYC, IUCN World Conservation Congress and COP30. Note: SBTN will be hosting an event as part of the United Nations Global Compact Hub, on September 24 during Climate Week NYC. The event will spotlight the latest corporate progress on science-based targets for nature. Stay tuned for more details and if you are interested in connecting, contact communications@sbtnetwork.org. 

Continue reading below to find more of what’s coming up soon, and latest news from the network. 

All my best, 

Erin Billman
Executive Director 
Science Based Targets Network 

Latest Updates

Public consultation for Version 2 freshwater targets to launch at World Water Week 

Mark your calendars! At World Water Week, on August 28, SBTN’s Freshwater Hub will be kicking off a public consultation on its expanded target coverage including toxic chemicals and groundwater. The Hub’s World Water Week session, “Taking action with freshwater science-based targets for business resilience,” will take place at 11AM CET, and participants can choose to attend in-person in Stockholm, Sweden, or join in for free online. Learn more about the event and how to register here. 

After launching at the World Water Week event, the public consultation will remain open for six weeks. We hope you’ll review the updates and share your feedback – we’d love to hear from you!

New tool to support freshwater data needs

SBTN’s Freshwater Hub developed the Nutrient Navigator, a new interactive mapping tool which assists companies in setting freshwater science-based targets for nutrients in agricultural supply chains. This resource enables users to gain insights into crop sourcing locations at a sub-national level, as well as understand the accompanying nutrient loads. 

Partner Spotlights 

Here are some of the latest resources from SBTN partners to support your work on credible action for nature: 

• WWF: Forest Forward Impact report. This report shows how the private sector can be a positive force for forests – using real world examples from 26 companies and organizations across 9 sectors. Through the Forest Forward initiative, WWF supports companies in developing their forest commitments, drawing from guidance from SBTN and other leading frameworks. Learn how Forest Forward partners are collectively improving forest management across millions of hectares around the globe. 
• The Nature Conservancy report: Landscape approaches in corporate climate and nature frameworks. This report outlines the state of play of current corporate actions and standards, examining the importance of landscape-level thinking for climate and nature outcomes, identifying barriers to adoption, and providing recommendations to better equip companies to act at a landscape level. These integrated landscape approaches are an integral part of our guidance for science-based targets for nature – including through our Landscape Engagement target.
• Capitals Coalition has launched a new Integrated Decision-Making Framework – a practical tool to help decision-makers in business, finance, and policy consider the full picture: nature, people, society, and finance. The framework encourages decision makers to reference SBTN’s Action Framework (AR3T) when conducting integrated assessments. 
• Oliver Wyman report: How banks can contribute to global nature goals. This report encourages banks to incorporate impact-based targets, with reference to SBTN’s approach, in order to produce measurable positive impacts on nature. 

Welcoming New Members to our Corporate Engagement Program: We welcome some of the newest organizations to our Corporate Engagement Program: Water Wiser and Antela LLC. With over 270 members and counting, we look forward to sharing regular updates as the program continues to grow.