May 2026 Newsletter

Busting myths about business action for biodiversity

Dear Colleague, 

As we mark the International Day for Biological Diversity this week, I’ve been reflecting on a challenge we often hear from companies: they know nature loss matters for business, but credible action can still feel too complex, too overwhelming, or too constrained by imperfect data.

These are real challenges. But they are not reasons for inaction.

Science-based targets for nature are designed to help companies move through this complexity. Our latest blog busts common myths about business action on nature and shows how companies can start making credible progress. 

These myths are also being challenged in practice. In France, the government is now formally integrating science-based targets for nature into its recognition program for corporate nature action, Entreprises engagées pour la nature. Companies that validate SBTN Steps 1 and 2 — and commit to setting targets within two years — can receive official government recognition for making credible, staged progress toward impactful nature action.

The announcement was made this week at the annual event of 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 together companies to accelerate corporate action on nature, with science-based targets positioned as a key implementation mechanism. Participants include Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Séché Environnement, both of which have already achieved validated progress through SBTN. 

If there’s one message I would like to leave you with for International Day for Biological Diversity, it is this: now is the time to advance progress. We have the tools and resources. Let’s continue to break down the barriers that hold us back and step up for nature. Please read on for other updates from the Network.

All my best,

Erin Billman
CEO, Science Based Targets Network

Latest Updates from SBTN

New guidance on science-based targets for nature in cities

Alongside the private sector, cities are both major drivers of biodiversity loss and key actors for solutions. 

SBTN has launched initial guidance to help local governments translate global biodiversity goals into practical, science-based, and equitable targets grounded in Earth’s limits.

The guidance focuses on urban land development – one of the most powerful levers cities control – and provides a clear three‑step process for assessing, prioritizing, and setting targets for urban nature.

It was developed through a collaboration of leading city networks, research institutions, and advocacy organizations, including Arup, C40, CDP, Durham University, ICLEI, IUCN, The Nature Conservancy, WRI, and WWF, and coordinated by Urban Biodiversity Hub and Metabolic.

 Learn more – and share this guidance with colleagues in local government here. 

The latest corporate progress 

Among the latest companies to publicly disclose validated progress are waste management company Séché Environnement and paper and forest products company KLS Pureprint A/S – both of which have disclosed results for materiality assessment and prioritization work (SBTN’s Step 1: Assess, and Step 2: Prioritize). Explore SBTN’s target tracker to see disclosures from companies to date that have publicly shared results.

Case study: smaller companies can take science-based action too

KLS Pureprint’s validated progress is a strong example of how smaller companies can engage with SBTN. 

As a small company with 34 employees, KLS used the process to deepen supplier engagement, strengthen its decision-making, and build on existing sustainability work, including Cradle to Cradle certification and FSC-certified sourcing. Learn more about their experience in this case study.

Partners leading the way: Scaling adoption of SBTs for nature through accelerator programs

Increasingly, we’re seeing SBTN partners build momentum for science-based targets for nature by hosting accelerators: structured, cohort-based programs designed to support companies on the SBTN journey toward validated results.  

Two new programs have recently launched, in the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively.

With a kickoff session last month, UNGC UK’s Nature Ambition Accelerator, designed in collaboration with Ramboll UK, will help 13 companies from a range of sectors prepare for target-setting in line with the SBTN methodology. Participating companies are highlighted below. Learn more.

In Germany, the Global Nature Fund (GNF) and One Planet Business by WWF will kick off an SBTN accelerator in June 2026, supporting up to 15 German companies in the target-setting process. Participating companies are currently being finalized. Learn more.

Share your expertise in public consultations from SBTN partners 

• Discussion paper on state of nature measurement: SBTN is collaborating with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to support greater market alignment on how organizations measure the state of nature. Share your views by 4 June. Review the proposals and provide feedback here.
• Global trends & foresight survey: The Capitals Coalition, in partnership with GlobeScan, is inviting senior leaders and decision-makers to participate in a vital 10-minute global consultation focused on the rapid evolution of our global economic system. Take part here.