The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) has released Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0, providing updated corporate guidance, target-setting tools, and validation pathways for corporate biodiversity and ecosystem stewardship.
The launch occurs ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17), where global governments will evaluate progress against international biodiversity targets.
Building on early corporate application and stakeholder feedback, version 2.0 addresses data limitations and value chain complexities by offering flexible, stepwise adoption pathways while maintaining scientific rigor.
Key technical enhancements and framework updates include:
- Flexible progress pathways: Introduces focused scopes, supplier engagement metrics, and phased validation options tailored to varying levels of corporate value-chain traceability.
- Expanded environmental coverage: Upgrades freshwater methodologies to cover groundwater and pesticide pollution, alongside expanded land frameworks for mining, infrastructure, construction, and extractive operations.
- Implementation support: Launches dedicated “Step 4: Act” resources to assist corporate leadership in converting validated science-based targets into operational strategy.
- Multilateral framework alignment: Aligns directly with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) reporting rules and the Nature Positive Initiative’s (NPI) State of Nature metrics to reduce reporting duplication.
Erin Billman, Chief Executive Officer of the Science Based Targets Network, stated that accelerating nature loss requires pragmatic frameworks that allow immediate commercial action without waiting for complete data.
Dr Varsha Vijay, Technical Director at SBTN, added that the update embeds usable, location-specific science into executive decision-making processes.
Recent data from the TNFD 2026 Status Report indicates that 93 per cent of surveyed institutional investors require corporate nature targets to be science-based. More than 300 companies across 40 countries are currently engaging with SBTN methodologies, with 18 companies having secured validated land and freshwater targets to date.
SBTN confirmed that following a forthcoming Ocean module, future updates will focus on incremental tool refinements rather than major structural framework revisions.
