A quel point le « Nature Positive » sera-t-il vraiment positif ?

This research paper by Friends of the Earth International and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network critiques the 'Nature Positive' concept proposed for the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) Global Biodiversity Framework. The authors argue that the term is vaguely defined and promotes a 'net gain' accounting approach that justifies continued biodiversity destruction through ineffective compensatory measures, while marginalizing Indigenous peoples and local communities.

• The term 'Nature Positive' lacks a precise definition within the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). While the CBD clearly defines 'biodiversity', it does not define 'nature', creating a loophole that allows the private sector to engage in greenwashing by labeling low-diversity monoculture plantations as 'nature'.
• The 'Nature Positive' concept relies on a 'net gain' mathematical approach that accepts the 'inevitable' destruction of ecosystems on the premise that such losses can be offset by rehabilitation or conservation elsewhere. This approach is criticized for ignoring the unique nature of specific species or sacred sites and for failing to account for the loss of ecosystem functions provided to local populations.
• Compensatory measures for biodiversity loss are often ineffective. Habitat restoration often fails in complex marine and forest ecosystems due to time lags and uncertainty, while 'avoided loss' compensations rely on the uncertain probability that a site would have been developed. Many biodiversity offset projects have failed, particularly those using area-based metrics for wetlands and forests.
• The proposed metrics for measuring 'Nature Positive' outcomes are vague and easily manipulated by industry. Common indicators like carbon storage and habitat geographic extent are criticized as simplistic; for example, tree plantations may sequester carbon while providing poor biodiversity results.
• The 'Nature Positive' framework is supported by a coalition of large NGOs (including WWF and IUCN), the G7, and the UK government. The authors argue that the corporate sector promotes this approach to avoid strong regulatory measures that would transform the economic systems responsible for biodiversity loss, instead favoring incentives and certification.
• The 'Nature Positive' approach marginalizes Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), women, and youth. Despite IPLC protecting 80% of existing biodiversity, they are often excluded from compensation zones, face human rights violations, and receive minimal climate and biodiversity funding.
• The corporate sector views a 'Nature Positive' economy as a significant financial opportunity, with a 2020 report estimating 10 trillion dollars in business opportunities through the transformation of the energy, infrastructure, and food systems.

APA

Marien, N., & Fernandez, M. (2022). A quel point le « Nature Positive » sera-t-il vraiment positif ? Friends of the Earth International. https://www.foei.org/fr/a-quel-point-le-nature-positive-sera-t-il-vraiment-positif/

Chicago

Marien, Nele, and Mirna Fernandez. A quel point le « Nature Positive » sera-t-il vraiment positif ? Friends of the Earth International, 2022. https://www.foei.org/fr/a-quel-point-le-nature-positive-sera-t-il-vraiment-positif/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Marien |first1=Nele |last2=Fernandez |first2=Mirna |title=A quel point le « Nature Positive » sera-t-il vraiment positif ? |publisher=Friends of the Earth International |date=28 November 2022 |url=https://www.foei.org/fr/a-quel-point-le-nature-positive-sera-t-il-vraiment-positif/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{marien2022quel, author = {Marien, Nele and Fernandez, Mirna}, title = {{A quel point le « Nature Positive » sera-t-il vraiment positif ?}}, institution = {Friends of the Earth International}, year = {2022}, month = nov, url = {https://www.foei.org/fr/a-quel-point-le-nature-positive-sera-t-il-vraiment-positif/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }