Management Cycle Phases
Using a systematic management “plan-do-check-act” cycle to implement a corporate biodiversity management process allows for proper business orientation, for example, as is used when part of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) or ISO 14000.
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Finding the business-specific relationship between company and biodiversity is, however, made more difficult by the complexity and extent of biodiversity (ecosystem, species, and genetic pool). The criteria “rareness” and “endangerment” of species and habitats act as a point of orientation. Aids in determining such threats to biodiversity such as the “Red List”, the European Union’s Habitats Directive along with the EU’s Birds Directive and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Scientific expertise is often required in cases where specific plans are made. This is an area where local environment and nature conservation groups can provide businesses with technical know-how, representing an opportunity to deepen the cooperation with regional NGOs.
Screen - S
Screen and identify fields of action
Best Practice Examples: oekom, a pioneer within the media industry - Green Publishing
oekom is aware of its role as a pioneer and multiplicator for sutainable management within media industry. With its initiative „ Nachhaltig Publizieren – Neue Umweltstandards für die Verlagsbranche“ („Green Publishing – New environmental standards for media industry“) advocated by the Federal Environment Ministry, oekom examines in cooperation with the ifeu – Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg, the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) and the Frankfurt Book Fair the whole supply chain. This enables oekom to identify potentials for improving its ecologically sound production by examining everything from paper production to the printed book. The results are discussed within different forums with a great specialist audience.
Best Practice Examples: oekom, a pioneer within the media industry - Green Publishing
oekom is aware of its role as a pioneer and multiplicator for sutainable management within media industry. With its initiative „ Nachhaltig Publizieren – Neue Umweltstandards für die Verlagsbranche“ („Green Publishing – New environmental standards for media industry“) advocated by the Federal Environment Ministry, oekom examines in cooperation with the ifeu – Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg, the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) and the Frankfurt Book Fair the whole supply chain. This enables oekom to identify potentials for improving its ecologically sound production by examining everything from paper production to the printed book. The results are discussed within different forums with a great specialist audience.
Plan - P
Set objectives, plan processes and activities, determine indicators
Best Practice Examples: KfW Bankengruppe - green light for the storks – Gabal el Zayt wind farm, Egypt
The KfW Bankengruppe is concerned about the impacts its projects have on biodiversity. For example, the KfW Entwicklungsbank together with the European Investment Bank and the European Commission were slated to finance 200 MW of the Egyptian Gabal el Zayt 630 km² wind farm with a total output of up to 3,000 MW. This western Egypt location is also a main bird migratory corridor. An extensive bird migration study, stipulated by the KfW Entwicklungsbank, recommended the southern area of the project, accounting for around 60% of the originally planned area, be left untouched for bird migration. The Egyptian government agreed to this and adjusted its plans accordingly, leaving the area untouched for the bids.
Best Practice Examples: Beraca - Supply Chain Management
In 2010, Beraca established the first sustainable dialogue with its suppliers (associations and cooperatives). All community leaders were brought to the city of Belem, in the state of Pará, for two days of information exchange among its own leaders and employees from all departments of the company (manufacturing, quality control, purchasing, logistics, and others).
Act - A
Take corrective action
Best Practice Examples: PUMA AG - Raising Awareness
PUMA has partnered up with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) to create “Play for Life”. Its goal is to support the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity through:
- Raising awareness worldwide about biodiversity and the International Year of Biodiversity among football fans and the general public during football events including the African Nations Cup and international friendly games.
- Raising awareness through Public Service Announcements featuring football stars.
- Encouraging the public to take action to conserve biodiversity.
- Raising funds through the Africa Unity Kit and other PUMA Unity football products under the Yellow “life” label to support biodiversity projects in Africa.
Puma
Do - D
Implement action plans
Check - C
Measure success
