The Business of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is under increasing pressure both in the Netherlands and globally. Only a small portion of our original biodiversity remains, which affects the balance of ecosystems that support our economy and quality of life. The decline of species, the degradation of landscapes, and the impact of pollution and intensive land use are clear signals that change is needed.
For businesses, biodiversity is not a distant environmental issue. It is a foundation for long-term value creation and the health of our economy and society. Together with critical changes to the Earth systems, biodiversity is in the top three global risks for the next ten years (WEF, 2025). When the natural systems are at risk, so too are business continuity, supply chains, and market stability. Yet this challenge presents an opportunity.
A proactive biodiversity strategy reduces the company's financing costs and unlocks a new, regulation-driven growth market. Integrating biodiversity into strategy and decision-making enables companies to enhance their resilience, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth. Businesses that invest today are investing in the prosperity and stability of tomorrow’s economy.
Facts
- 55% of the global GDP, equivalent to 58 trillion dollars, is directly or indirectly dependent on well-functioning and healthy ecosystems.
- 75% of global freshwater resources come from healthy ecosystems, with wetlands playing a key role in water purification.
About Naturalis
Founded in 1820, Naturalis Biodiversity Center has evolved from a royal collection into the Netherlands’ national institute for biodiversity. Today, it combines world-class research, innovation, one of the world’s largest scientific collections, and a museum that welcomes around half a million visitors each year.
Biodiversity is our North Star; it guides everything we do. With more than 120 researchers and over 43 million collection objects, Naturalis studies, protects, and shares knowledge about biodiversity worldwide. Through research, education, data, and public engagement, we help people understand why nature matters and how protecting it safeguards our food, health, economy, and future.
BNP Paribas & Biodiversity
BNP Paribas is both the leading European corporate bank in the Netherlands and a market leader in banking and financial services across Europe. Based on a strong, diversified, and integrated business model, BNP Paribas supports all its clients in achieving their goals with financial solutions. With sustainability at the heart of its operations, the Group contributes to a more sustainable future while safeguarding long-term performance and stability.
As “the bank for a changing world,” BNP Paribas recognizes natural capital and biodiversity as one of its key strategic priorities. The Group supports Marine Protected Areas, agri-food sector's transition, and responsible forest and water management by mobilizing capital, structuring innovative financial solutions and convening partnerships to develop scale solutions. In 2024, BNP Paribas allocated €5.4bn in funding for businesses contributing to the protection of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, making the Group’s values clear.
Partnership between Naturalis & BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is a market leader in banking and financial services in Europe and operates in 64 countries worldwide. Based on a strong, diversified, and integrated business model, BNP Paribas supports all its clients, individuals, associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, large corporates, and institutional clients. In achieving their goals with solutions in financing, investment, savings, and insurance.
In the Netherlands, BNP Paribas is the leading European corporate bank. With sustainability at the heart of its operations, the Group contributes to a more sustainable future while safeguarding long-term performance and stability.
As “the bank for a changing world,” BNP Paribas recognizes natural capital and biodiversity as one of its key priorities, as part of its strategic plan. In concrete terms, the Group supports Marine Protected Areas, agri-food sector's transition, responsible forest and water management, by mobilizing capital, structuring innovative financial solutions and convening partnerships to develop scale solutions. At the end of 2024, BNP Paribas allocated €5.4bn in funding for businesses contributing to the protection of terrestrial and marine biodiversity. In a time when biodiversity loss is among the greatest challenges of our generation, collaboration is essential.
The Conversation with Naturalis
The session with Naturalis is a knowledge exchange focused on sharing scientific insights and practical understanding of biodiversity. Naturalis will share knowledge on how biodiversity connects to your organization’s activities and outline ways to take the first steps toward understanding, measuring, and strengthening your impact.
Below you will find key themes that can shape the conversation.
Theme 1Nature & the Economy
Understanding natural systems as the foundation of long-term value:
Every sector of the economy depends on the services ecosystems provide; from pollination and water regulation to raw-material supply and climate stability. This theme explores how mapping and valuing these dependencies helps organisations and investors identify risks, secure supply chains, and capture opportunities in a nature-positive economy.
Key dialogues:
- Corporate dependencies on ecosystem services and natural capital
- Biodiversity loss as a financial and systemic risk
- Nature-positive sourcing and circular models for raw materials and value chains
- How climate change impacts business - both chronic (droughts) and single or recurring events (flooding)
Theme 2Nature & the Built World
Designing places that work with,
not against, nature:
Discussions centre on how ecological design and data-driven planning and maintenance can enhance resilience, improve asset value, and support sustainable development.
Key dialogues:
- Nature-inclusive urban planning and infrastructure
- Land-use, land management, and ecological restoration
- How nature-based solutions can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation
- Balancing development, biodiversity, and long-term spatial resilience
Theme 3Nature & Data
Turning ecological insight into measurable impact:
Sound decisions require sound data.
This theme focuses on how biodiversity monitoring and science-based indicators can inform investment, risk management, and policy.
Key dialogues:
- Measuring biodiversity performance and impact
- Using biodiversity intelligence for strategic and financial decision-making
- Aligning with emerging frameworks such as CSRD and TNFD
- An introduction to THRIVE, our signature biodiversity impact tool
Theme 4Nature & Innovation
Learning from 3.8 billion years of R&D:
Nature’s designs offer powerful models for innovation. This theme explores how biomimicry and bio-inspired thinking can drive breakthroughs in technology, materials, and resource efficiency.
Key dialogues:
- Biomimicry as a driver for sustainable innovation
- Bio-inspired design in materials, energy, and infrastructure
- Applying natural principles to enhance resilience and efficiency
Theme 5Nature & People
Connecting hearts and minds to drive collective change:
Science alone cannot shift systems. Stories and engagement do. Naturalis’ strength lies in translating biodiversity research into compelling narratives that inspire awareness, credibility, and action across society and markets.
Key dialogues:
- The value of nature narratives for investors and institutions
- Mobilising communities and employees around biodiversity action
Continue the Conversation…
Improving biodiversity is not only a responsibility, it is an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits both people and nature. Naturalis and BNP Paribas aim to turn knowledge into action and inspire lasting change across sectors, which is why we’ve partnered together to both guide your more sustainable path forward. If you want more information and/or to schedule a call, contact your BNP Paribas relationship manager for more information about Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
