Overview
Nature Positive refers to halting biodiversity loss and "reversing it (putting it on a recovery trajectory)", as well as that state itself. As a concept paired with Carbon Neutral (net-zero greenhouse gas emissions), it has become a global common goal through 2030. Specifically, using 2020 as a baseline, it lays out a path to halt biodiversity loss, shift to a recovery trend by 2030, and realize a "world Living in Harmony with Nature" by 2050.Theoretical Background
Recognition of "Limits"
It became clear that conventional environmental conservation activities (reducing damage, mitigating impacts) alone cannot stop the rapid decline of biodiversity. Reflecting on the failure to achieve many of the Aichi Targets (2010-2020), ambitious goal-setting that goes beyond "reducing negatives to zero" to "making it positive" became necessary.Advocacy by Rockström and Others
The Global Commons Alliance and Johan Rockström, advocates of Planetary Boundaries, led the effort to put forward the comprehensive slogan "Nature Positive." This drove consensus-building at G7 Summits and COP15.Detailed Explanation
Three Phases
- Until 2020: A state where biodiversity loss continues.
- 2020-2030: Halt and Reverse. This is the core period for "Nature Positive."
- 2030-2050: Sustained rise toward full recovery.
Nature Positive Economy
According to estimates by the World Economic Forum (Davos), the transition to Nature Positive could create up to $10.1 trillion in annual business opportunities and 395 million jobs. In Japan, the Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism are collaborating to formulate the "Nature Positive Economic Transition Strategy."Concrete Actions
Companies and local governments are required to:- Understand Supply Chains: Assess the natural impact of raw material procurement.
- Regenerative Agriculture: Soil restoration, pesticide reduction.
- Circular Economy: Reducing extraction pressure through resource circulation.
Critical Examination
Ambiguity of Definition and Greenwashing
"Carbon Neutral" can be measured with a single indicator (t-CO2), but "Nature Positive" has complex indicators. There are concerns about oversimplification like "it's positive because we planted trees" and PR without scientific basis (greenwashing) becoming rampant. Evaluation tools such as STAR indicators and ENCORE have been developed, but there is still no unified standard.What IKIMON Can Do
IKIMON functions as a measurement tool for "indicators (KPIs)" to gauge the degree of Nature Positive realization.- Evidence of "Recovery": For example, data showing "butterflies that numbered only 10 species 5 years ago in our factory's green space have now been confirmed at 30 species" is precisely proof of Nature Positive (recovery trajectory).
- Storytelling: Beyond just numbers, actual photos of organisms can convey the positive feeling that "nature is coming back" to stakeholders.
- Participatory Action: By participating in the process of "watching over recovery," employees and local residents can make Nature Positive activities their own.
References
- Locke, H., et al. (2020). A Nature-Positive World: The Global Goal for Nature.
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan. Nature Positive Economic Transition Strategy.