L’OCCITANE Group takes part in high-ambition Nature discussion at New York Climate Week

On 24 September 2024, L’OCCITANE Group was honoured to participate in an exclusive, closed-door session during New York Climate Week (NYCW).

The lunch brought together business leaders, policymakers, indigenous representatives, and environmental advocates to discuss how businesses can contribute to protecting biodiversity and scaling up nature-based solutions (NbS).

The discussion, hosted by Business for Nature and Salesforce, was a pivotal moment for advancing the integration of nature goals into the global political economy.

The group explored the critical role that businesses and governments must play to address biodiversity loss and meet global targets, such as those outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion:

1. Consolidating Efforts for Greater Impact

The conversation stressed the importance of building on existing initiatives rather than creating new ones. Participants agreed that platforms should ‘convene the conveners’, fostering collaboration between businesses, governments, and NGOs to amplify collective action.

This approach will ensure that efforts are not duplicated, and resources are used efficiently to achieve measurable outcomes for biodiversity.

2. Embracing Indigenous Leadership

Indigenous communities hold invaluable knowledge about preserving ecosystems. The discussion highlighted the need for businesses to incorporate indigenous wisdom and practices into their sustainability strategies. This is not only a matter of respect but a critical component in effective conservation efforts.

3. Youth Engagement is Essential

Long-term sustainability requires active engagement of younger generations. Engaging youth in nature conservation was a central theme, with the consensus being that their participation is vital for shaping future biodiversity policies and initiatives.

4. Shifting Financial Flows to Support Nature Restoration

Investing in nature restoration should be seen as an opportunity rather than a risk. The group discussed how financial mechanisms must be leveraged to make nature-based solutions investable, not only by leading companies but also by mainstream financial and economic actors.

Creating these incentives will enable businesses to take bolder action on biodiversity.

5. Accountability Through Target 15

Participants reaffirmed the importance of Target 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which focuses on businesses assessing, monitoring, and transparently disclosing their biodiversity impacts. Implementing this target is critical to enhancing accountability and ensuring real progress is made towards biodiversity goals.

L’OCCITANE Group’s Commitment to Biodiversity

As part of its ongoing efforts to protect nature, L’OCCITANE Group is fully aligned with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal framework and is committed to supporting global biodiversity efforts.

The Group recognises that nature must be at the core of its sustainability strategies and is working towards integrating nature-positive actions across its value chain.

Our participation in this high-ambition nature lunch underscores our dedication to driving meaningful change in the fight against biodiversity loss.

As we look towards the COP16 Biodiversity Summit, L’OCCITANE Group remains committed to accelerating nature-based solutions, fostering public-private partnerships, and creating a future where business and nature can thrive together.

Together with our partners, we are confident that ambitious nature goals can be achieved by 2030, securing a sustainable future for both people and the planet.