How to Conduct Biodiversity Impact Assessments Using the TNFD Framework
To truly save biodiversity, we can no longer rely solely on public efforts. Private initiatives now play a crucial role by providing industries with the necessary tools to measure and reduce their environmental impact around their places of business and activity.
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) is a global private initiative launched in June 2021 that provides a framework for organizations to report and act on nature-related risks caused by their activity. The aim is to help shift financial flows toward nature-positive outcomes, encouraging better decision-making to protect and restore natural ecosystems.
In concrete terms, the TNFD established 14 recommended disclosures based on the LEAP methodology (Locate your interface with nature, Evaluate your impact and dependencies, Assess the most material risks and opportunities, Prepare to respond and report) in order to facilitate the biodiversity impact assessment for stakeholders.
Additionally, the TNFD provides guidance material per sector of activity (oil & gas, biotechnology & pharmaceuticals, food & agriculture, and more) and per biome (types of ecosystem).
To help you clearly understand what a biodiversity impact assessment entails, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the types of biodiversity data required for evaluation. We distinguish between the ecological components of biodiversity and the human-induced factors that influence them.
Group 1: Ecological Data
Species Data
Species Presence and Abundance: Information on the presence and population sizes of different species within and around areas of business operations.
Endangered and Protected Species: Data on species listed as endangered, vulnerable, or protected under local, national, or international conservation laws and agreements.
Species Distribution: Spatial data showing the geographical distribution of species, including migration patterns and habitat ranges.
Habitat Data
Habitat Types and Extent: Identification and mapping of different habitat types (forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine environments, etc.) and their spatial extent.
Habitat Condition and Quality: Assessment of the health and quality of habitats, including factors such as vegetation cover, water quality, and soil health.
Habitat Connectivity: Information on the connectivity between habitats, which is crucial for species movement and genetic diversity.
Ecosystem Services Data
Provisioning Services: Data on resources provided by ecosystems, such as food, water, and raw materials.
Regulating Services: Information on ecosystem functions that regulate environmental conditions, such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and flood control.
Cultural Services: Data on non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems, including recreational, aesthetic, and spiritual values.
Supporting Services: Information on fundamental ecological processes, such as nutrient cycling and soil formation, that support other ecosystem services.
Climate and Environmental Conditions
Climate Data: Information on climate variables (temperature, precipitation, extreme weather events) that influence biodiversity.
Environmental Stressors: Data on environmental stressors like droughts, floods, and fires that impact ecosystems and species.
Group 2: Operational and Impact Data
Land Use and Land Cover Data
Land Use Patterns: Data on current land use, including agricultural, industrial, residential, and conservation areas.
Land Cover Changes: Information on historical and recent changes in land cover, such as deforestation, urbanization, and habitat restoration.
Zoning and Land Management: Data on land use zoning, protected areas, and land management practices.
Environmental Impact Data
Pollution and Contamination: Data on levels of pollutants (chemicals, plastics, heavy metals) in air, water, and soil that affect biodiversity.
Resource Extraction and Use: Information on the extraction and consumption of natural resources, such as water usage, mining activities, and logging.
Infrastructure Development: Data on the extent and impact of infrastructure projects (roads, dams, buildings) on natural habitats.
Socio-Economic Data
Local Community Interactions: Information on how local communities interact with and depend on biodiversity for their livelihoods.
Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services: Data on the economic value of ecosystem services provided by natural habitats.
Conservation and Restoration Data
Conservation Areas: Information on the location, size, and management status of conservation areas and protected regions.
Restoration Projects: Data on ongoing and completed habitat restoration projects, including their objectives, methods, and outcomes.
Policy and Regulatory Data
Environmental Regulations: Information on relevant environmental laws, regulations, and international agreements affecting biodiversity.
Corporate Sustainability Policies: Data on the company’s internal policies and commitments related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices.
Risk and Impact Assessment Data
Risk Assessments: Detailed assessments of nature-related risks, including potential impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Impact Assessments: Evaluations of the actual or anticipated effects of business operations on natural ecosystems and species.
At Natural Solutions, we specialize in building environmental software solutions to help you assess the state of biodiversity where your places of business meet with nature, through data acquisition, management, processing and analysis.
Data Collection Methods
Remote Sensing and GIS: Use of satellite imagery, drones, and geographic information systems (GIS) to collect spatial and temporal data on habitats and land use. As seen in the Ecoteka App.
Field Surveys and Monitoring: On-the-ground surveys, biodiversity monitoring programs, and ecological studies to gather detailed species and habitat data. As seen in the EcoSecrets and Geonature Atlas Apps.
Citizen Science and Community Data: Involvement of local communities and citizen scientists in data collection efforts to enhance coverage and local relevance. As seen in the Geonature Citizen App.
Existing Databases and Reports: Utilization of data from existing biodiversity databases, scientific literature, and environmental reports.
Integration and Analysis
Data Integration: Combining different types of biodiversity data to create comprehensive datasets that provide a holistic view of the ecological landscape.
Advanced Analytics: Applying statistical analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling to analyze biodiversity data and identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
There is no doubt that the protection and preservation of biodiversity requires collective action and innovative tools, and fast! As sustainability project managers, environmental consultants, and corporate responsibility leaders, your role is pivotal in driving this change. By partnering with us, you gain access to cutting-edge biodiversity data management and analytics software designed to meet the rigorous standards of frameworks like the TNFD. Equip your team with the insights needed to accurately assess and mitigate your environmental impact. Contact us today to learn how our solutions can support your sustainability goals and contribute to a nature-positive future.
