The first international standard dedicated to biodiversity in the organizational field has just been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Under the title ISO 17928. Biodiversity for Organizations – Guidelines and Requirements (ISO 17928. Biodiversidad para organizaciones – Directrices y requisitos), the standard provides practical guidance and requirements to help companies and organizations integrate biodiversity into their strategies, operations, and decision-making processes. Its adoption enables organizations to manage biodiversity-related risks and opportunities, and it is a fundamental step in aligning with global biodiversity goals, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Context: The urgent need for action
Biodiversity is essential for life on Earth, ecosystem health, and economic resilience. However, global biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate. According to the latest Living Planet report by WWF, freshwater species populations freshwater species have fallen by 85%, followed by terrestrial species (69%) and marine species (56%) over the past 50 years (1970-2020). Furthermore, around one million species of animals and plants are currently threatened with extinction, many of which could disappear in just a few decades, more than at any other time in human history.
This loss of biodiversity has not only ecological implications but also economic ones. The World Economic Forum estimates that more than half of the global GDP, equivalent to $44 trillion, is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. As biodiversity risks increase, so do regulatory, reputational, and operational pressures.
The adoption of ISO 17298 helps organizations move from intent to action, enabling them to understand their biodiversity impacts, dependencies, and risks, identify green growth opportunities and align with global frameworks such as the KMGBF.
A milestone in global biodiversity governance
The development of this standard was made possible through the collaborative work of an international group of experts convened in the Comité Técnico ISO/TC 331to whose coordination we have contributed from Ecoacsa through the participation of our executive director, David Álvarez, who has served as Chair of the Advisory Group.. Este esfuerzo marca un paso clave en la integración de la biodiversidad en las estrategias corporativas, permitiendo que las organizaciones comprendan sus vínculos con la naturaleza, identifiquen riesgos, y desarrollen planes de acción efectivos. David Álvarez destaca que «la publicación de la ISO 17298 es un hito que permite a las organizaciones de todo el mundo integrar la biodiversidad de manera práctica y alineada con los marcos globales de sostenibilidad. Esta norma facilita la acción empresarial y refuerza la sostenibilidad como un pilar clave para el éxito a largo plazo».
ISO 17298: A key tool for corporate sustainability
In the current environment of growing regulatory pressure, adopting this standard allows organizations to stay ahead of disclosure requirements and align with global frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) by the European Union. The ISO 17298 is particularly relevant in the European context, where the review of sustainability reporting standards seeks to simplify disclosure and improve interoperability between international frameworks. This standard can facilitate the integration of biodiversity into sustainability reports, helping companies meet new regulatory demands efficiently.
Opportunities for companies: Beyond regulatory compliance
Adopting the standard not only helps meet international standards but also opens new business opportunities. By integrating biodiversity into their strategies and operations, companies can access green financing, enhance their ESG credibility (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and strengthen their positioning in global supply chains. Additionally, this standard helps companies anticipate biodiversity risks, allowing them to not only mitigate negative impacts but also innovate and create long-term value.
At a time when biodiversity represents a systemic risk, ISO 17928 becomes a strategic tool for companies seeking to lead the way toward a more sustainable and regenerative future.
For more information on how to implement ISO 17298, click on the following image:
