The Department of Environmental Affairs, in collaboration with the National Biodiversity and Business Network (NBBN), conducted a preliminary baseline assessment with the aim of assessing current approaches and practices of South African businesses to mainstream biodiversity. As an expert on the subject, Dr Joël Houdet of the Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership was asked to contribute to the assessment.

The aim was not to conduct a detailed comparative assessment between companies, but rather to get a general overview of the current practices and approaches of South African businesses regarding biodiversity mainstreaming.

South Africa’s natural capital – including water, soil, fauna and flora – is essential for its development. Businesses are inextricably linked to the wellbeing and sustainable use of these resources. Therefore, the management of this natural capital has to become an essential component of the formal risk management and governance processes of businesses. For organisations to remain competitive, they have to identify their current and future impacts and dependencies on the environment. In so doing, businesses can also identify and capitalise on key opportunities by integrating the effective and proactive management of natural resources into their strategies and plans.

Dr Joël Houdet

Approaches and practices of South African businesses to the Mainstreaming of Biodiversity Click here to read more