Brazil is one of the main cradles of biodiversity, with around 20% of the world’s biological diversity and 140,000 species. The world’s biodiversity experts agree that the planet’s main terrestrial habitats are already experiencing a 20% decline in the abundance of native species. Yet preserving biodiversity is essential: more than half the world’s GDP is linked to it, and its degradation could present risks for the stability of our societies and economies.

Businesses play an essential role in tackling the biodiversity crisis.

They have a duty to integrate biodiversity into their operational strategies, since they are both dependent on biological diversity and actors in its decline. The private sector depends on biodiversity, while its activities erode it through consistent pressure. This delicate interdependence generates operational risks for businesses and financial institutions. Biodiversity is a highly complex systemic issue, which makes its integration into ESG strategies a major challenge, mainly due to the lack of training and awareness among companies.

How is the private sector comitting to preserving biodiversity?

The result of a collaboration between BearingPoint, I Care by BearingPoint and I Care Brasil, our new study, through the example of Brazil, examines the importance, challenges and solutions associated with preserving biodiversity. It highlights how companies can meet regulatory requirements to reduce their biodiversity footprint.

Our analysis is divided into 5 chapters:

An exploration of Brazil’s rich and crucial biodiversity.
The main threats facing Brazilian ecosystems, highlighting the most impacting sectors and value chains.
Ongoing efforts to preserve and respect biodiversity in Brazil through legal frameworks and public initiatives.
The contributions of the private sector to the preservation of biodiversity: the risks, opportunities and concrete recommendations to take action.
The potential of traceability solutions, basic tools for companies wishing to reduce their impact on Brazilian ecosystems.

A call to action to encourage European businesses to take part in this conservation initiative, this report encourages the creation of links between the business world and the protection of biodiversity on a local and international scale.

We would like to thank Carrefour (France) and Suzano (Brazil), both of whom provided essential insights for this study