SBTN Launches Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0 to Scale Corporate Nature Action

The Science Based Targets Network has launched Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0, updating its corporate methods, guidance and tools to make nature target-setting more practical while maintaining scientific rigour and independent validation. The new framework covers the full target-setting journey, from assessment and prioritisation through to implementation, and is designed to help companies act despite imperfect data, limited traceability and complex value chains.

The update comes ahead of CBD COP17 and as corporate interest in nature-related risk grows. SBTN says companies increasingly need clearer ways to translate nature dependencies and impacts into decisions about where to focus, how much action is required and how progress can be demonstrated credibly.

 

Companies Have More Ways to Begin and Progress

 

Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0 introduces new and updated pathways that allow companies to start at different levels of readiness. These include focused scopes, supplier engagement targets and stepwise validation, giving businesses more flexibility when data and traceability are still developing.

The framework also expands freshwater and land coverage. Freshwater methods now strengthen treatment of groundwater and pesticide-related impacts, while land guidance broadens routes for regeneration and restoration and extends coverage to sectors including mining, infrastructure, construction and extractives.

 

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Implementation Is Now a Bigger Part of the Framework

 

A major change is the addition of Step 4: Act resources, intended to help companies move from setting targets into practical implementation. SBTN is also trying to connect nature target-setting more directly with assessment, disclosure and transition planning so companies can use the same information across multiple sustainability processes.

"Nature loss is accelerating, and companies cannot afford to wait for perfect data, perfect visibility, or perfect conditions before they act," said Erin Billman, CEO of the Science Based Targets Network. "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."

 

Scientific Rigour and Independent Validation Remain Central

 

SBTN says the greater flexibility in the 2.0 framework does not lower the standard expected from companies. Its place-based approach has been strengthened, while independent validation and transparent disclosure remain central to the model.

"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," said Dr Varsha Vijay, Technical Director at the Science Based Targets Network.

 

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Investor Demand Is Reinforcing the Push for Science-Based Nature Targets

 

Investor expectations are also increasing. According to TNFD’s 2026 Status Report, 93% of surveyed investors want corporate nature targets to be science-based, reinforcing the pressure on companies to move beyond broad biodiversity commitments towards measurable targets.

Corporate adoption is beginning to scale. More than 300 companies across 40 countries are engaging with SBTN’s methods, 45 companies have publicly signalled their intention to set science-based targets for nature, and more than 60 land and freshwater targets have been validated across 18 companies.

 

SBTN Is Aligning More Closely With TNFD and Nature Positive Initiative

 

Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0 is being released alongside major updates from the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures and the Nature Positive Initiative. The three approaches are becoming more closely connected so companies can reuse data, analysis and outputs across assessment, measurement, disclosure, target-setting and action.

TNFD focuses on nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities, while SBTN provides the target-setting and action framework. The Nature Positive Initiative’s State of Nature Indicators and Metrics provides a common measurement foundation, helping reduce duplication and improve consistency across corporate nature programmes.

 

The Next Test Is Whether More Companies Move From Assessment to Action

 

The 2.0 framework gives companies a more flexible route into science-based nature action while keeping validation and disclosure requirements in place. Its practical value will depend on whether companies use that flexibility to move faster from assessment and target-setting into measurable changes across operations and supply chains.

SBTN says future development of the current framework will focus mainly on refinements, implementation guidance and supporting tools, with a separate Ocean update still forthcoming. That gives companies a more stable basis for integrating nature targets into longer-term strategy and investment planning.

 

Source: Science-Based Targets for Nature