The Nature Positive Initiative - Promoting the integrity and implementation of Nature Positive by 2030

The Nature Positive Initiative (NPI) represents conservation organizations, institutes, and business and finance coalitions coming together to drive alignment around use of the term ‘nature positive’ and support broader, longer-term efforts to deliver nature-positive outcomes. 

NPI is the second phase of work that commenced in 2019, with the development of nature positive by 2030 as the global goal for nature - its equivalent to the 1.5C goal that exists for climate. In December 2022, this ambition level was codified in the mission of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, committing the world to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.

Core work includes preserving the integrity of ‘Nature Positive’ as a measurable 2030 global goal for nature for business, government, and other stakeholders, and providing the tools and guidance necessary to allow all to contribute. The initiative also advocates for the full implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by governments and other stakeholders.

The initial core group of organizations and coalitions, tasked with setting NPI’s strategic direction, policy positions and activities, are shown below. This group is responsible for convening, liaising with, and coordinating the active engagement of a much broader and inclusive constituency of Forum members to ensure all stakeholders’ views are considered and to help support efforts to deliver nature-positive outcomes across society. 

“Nature positive is not a slogan - it is an ambitious goal and should not be used to imply something is green or nature-friendly. It refers to measurable outcomes that contribute to halting and reversing nature loss with significant benefits to society.”

For further information on the Nature Positive Initiative, please contact info@naturepositive.org 

The Nature Positive Forum is open to all relevant institutions and organizations from all corners of society who want to support and implement the Nature Positive global goal for nature. Read more about the Forum here.

For further information on the Nature Positive Initiative Forum, please contact forum@naturepositive.org 

What is the global goal for nature?

Our catastrophic loss of nature is a threat to people and the planet.

With climate change, the world has an agreed global goal: to limit global warming to 1.5C. The global goal for nature is the equivalent for biodiversity - setting the direction and destination of travel.

The global goal of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 – nature positive by 2030 – is ambitious but necessary. Reversing biodiversity loss is essential to combat the climate crisis, protect and restore ecosystem integrity, prevent future pandemics of zoonotic origin, address water and food insecurity and secure sustainable and equitable development.

• By 2030, biodiversity loss is halted and reversed, with nature visibly and measurably on the path to recovery on a 2020 baseline;

• By 2050, nature must recover so that thriving, high integrity ecosystems and nature-based solutions support future generations and the diversity of life.

What is the objective of the global goal for nature and where did it come from? 

The global goal for nature came out of a recognition by many organizations that a simple and measurable global goal for nature was urgently needed to align and drive all sectors in society, business and governments to contribute to that goal. 

The objective of the global goal for nature is to clearly signal to national policymakers, markets and the public the level of ambition and collective action required to tackle the biodiversity crisis and secure human health, well-being and livelihoods in the long-term and in the next decade.

Since the development of the global goal for nature in 2019, leaders from across society have rallied behind this nature-positive ambition. In December 2022, the world adopted this ambition level in the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, with governments committing to a number of goals and targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

What does ‘Nature Positive’ mean?

‘Nature Positive’ refers to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, through measurable gains in the health, abundance, diversity and resilience of species, ecosystems and processes. We are calling for all to take action to support the global goal of being nature positive by 2030, measured against a 2020 baseline.

Is it scientifically feasible?

Yes, but it requires that ambitious actions start immediately. We know that achieving a net gain in ecosystem integrity (function, composition, and structure) and species conservation status and preventing human-induced extinctions of known threatened species by 2030, necessitates more and better conservation and restoration of natural areas on land, ocean and inland waters; it also needs to address the drivers of nature loss by transitioning to sustainable production and consumption patterns (particularly for food), and promoting resource mobilization and inclusive decision-making. These changes will require a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach and the political will to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s ambitious targets for 2030. Building on the increasing momentum for nature conservation, additional immediate actions will be required in other areas, including to enhance the enabling conditions for ambitious nature-positive actions, transparent disclosure and reporting.