Greening the transport sector by mainstreaming biodiversity

Abstract

In late 2022, the UN CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) will meet to adopt a post2020 global biodiversity framework which will detail how the private sector should mainstream biodiversity into its business strategies, investments, and production systems. The mainstreaming of biodiversity has lagged behind the carbon agenda, as evidenced in the Green Transport Strategy for South Africa. However, both voluntary and legislated corporate disclosures on biodiversity impact are increasing. The National Biodiversity and Business Network (NBBN) of South Africa assists corporates in understanding their dependencies and impacts on nature. We discuss the main impacts of transport on African biodiversity and present the results of the third, annual corporate biodiversity performance assessment of the Biodiversity Disclosure Project. For 2020, 327 JSE-listed companies and 27 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) were involved. The results showed that the private sector, including transport, is illequipped to achieve science-based targets and invest in biodiversity. We briefly outline emerging measurement standards for the transport sector to become greener, not only in energy, but biodiversity. This includes setting targets which are based on footprint accounting, thereby contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.Papers presented at the 40th International Southern African Transport Conference on 04 -08 July 202

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