SBTN Releases New Framework for Corporate Science-Based Nature Target Setting

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) announced today the release of Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0, marking a major update of its methods and guidance for corporate nature-focused sustainability target setting and implementation across areas including land, freshwater and oceans.

The new release follows the SBTN’s inaugural corporate science-based targets for nature, launched in 2023, aimed at guiding companies in assessing and prioritizing their environmental impacts and setting a standard for targets to address these issues. According to the SBTN, the release responds to challenges identified by companies in pursuing nature-related work, including imperfect data, limited traceability and complex value chains, with updated methods, guidance and tools, and with an increased emphasis on implementation.

Science Based Targets Network CEO Erin Billman said:

“Nature loss is accelerating, and companies cannot afford to wait for perfect data, perfect visibility, or perfect conditions before they act. Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0 gives companies a pragmatic way to move now — focusing effort where it matters most, while maintaining the scientific rigor and accountability needed for action to be credible.”

Launched in 2019 by founding partners including CDP, World Resources Institute, WWF, United Nations Global Compact and Conservation International, SBTN aims to help businesses and cities operate within the Earth’s limits while meeting societal needs by setting science-based targets (SBTs) across biodiversity, land, freshwater and ocean. The initiative builds on the momentum of the emissions-focused Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), enabling companies to set targets beyond climate.

Among the key changes in SBTN’s 2.0 release is the introduction of more flexible pathways to target setting for companies, with the updated framework providing more options depending on readiness, data and traceability, including focused scopes, supplier engagement targets and stepwise validation.

The update also broadens the framework’s target coverage, including expanded freshwater quality coverage to pesticide-related impacts, and expanded land methods routes for working land regeneration and restoration and for sectors including mining, infrastructure, construction and extractives.

Notably, the update also includes new resources designed to help companies move from target-setting to action planning by identifying relevant response options, assessing feasibility, and connecting science-based targets with broader nature and climate transition planning. The resources include new guidance, an expanded response options database, and a corporate action plan template to help companies identify actions with benefits across multiple targets, structure robust action plans, and apply safeguards for nature and people.

Science Based Targets Network Technical Director Dr Varsha Vijay said:

“The goal is not simply to make it easier for companies to set more targets. It is to make rigorous science more usable in the decisions companies are actually making — where to focus, what level of action is needed and how to build credible progress over time.”

Click here to access Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0.