Launch of a multi-stakeholder initiative to better capture the impact of agricultural best environmental practices for biodiversity
In Paris, 10th January 2024 –
Companies, investors & financial players use biodiversity footprint indicators to report and manage their impacts on biodiversity, especially for agriculture-related sectors. In these assessments, it is crucial to capture impacts of specific environmental practices. Yet the right set of biodiversity metrics to account for the efforts made on the ground is not there.
Our BFAT (Biodiversity Footprinting for Agricultural Transition) project aims to bridge the gap between the actions of farmers and the impact metrics used by companies & financial institutions for reporting and piloting. We aim to capture a higher level of detail regarding two dimensions: by improving a) the diversity and granularity of agricultural systems considered, and b) the diversity of agricultural practices and their links to labels and certifications (particularly, organic and regenerative agriculture). The approach will be based on scientific and technical literature.
BFAT is a 1-year project and a task force to bring to the market an upgraded proposition of impact indicators, linked to already existing approaches (MSA unit, PDF unit, etc.), and developed in collaboration and tested by key stakeholders such as Kering and L’Oréal.
Project partners are established and recognised organizations in the field of biodiversity and agriculture: Biosphères (specialised technical support in the design of agroecological & regenerative agricultural and food systems), Agrosolutions (consulting company in agri-environment at the service of agriculture, value chains, and territories, subsidiary of the InVivo Group), CDC Biodiversité (Subsidiary of the group Caisse des Dépôts, dedicated to conciliate biodiversity and economic development, following public good).
In addition, the project has established strong ties with FAIRR (a global network of investors addressing ESG issues in protein supply chains) and Systemiq/Food and Land Use Coalition (a coalition supporting government, companies, civil societies, and communities to accelerate the transformation of food and land use systems).
In addition, a scientific committee is formed to challenge the proposed methodology.
Companies or financial institutions interested in joining the BFAT initiative are invited to contact directly I Care at eliette.verdier@i-care-consult.com
Specific study cases and pilots will be launched to test and contribute to the improvement of the methodology.
