Nature Responsibility Framework: Gold Standard publishes discussion paper for companies taking responsibility for nature impacts

Gold Standard publishes a framework for discussion and feedback to help organisations take responsibility for their nature impacts and make contributions to conserve, restore and manage healthy ecosystems and natural resources sustainably.

The Nature Responsibility Framework, published today at Gold Standard’s Climate Action for People and Nature conference, proposes that companies take responsibility for their nature impacts, outlines how they can take action and highlights tools to deliver on their goals.   

The Framework helps companies cut through complexity and navigate rapidly evolving guidance. Five key responsibility areas guide users through a set of fundamental principles, actions and recommendations.

Margaret Kim, CEO of Gold Standard said:

“Many companies aspire to take action on nature but simply lack the direction to get started. Gold Standard’s new Nature Responsibility Framework sets the destination. We know it won’t be a straight path and we’re ready to move with companies that are committing to the journey and support them as they take real steps toward protecting and restoring nature.”

The Framework is sector-agnostic and does not duplicate existing frameworks and reports. It is inspired by and builds on the work of leaders and other global standard-setters—including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN), Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Business for Nature and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). It also complements Gold Standard’s existing framework “Fairly Contributing to Global Net Zero” for corporate climate mitigation strategies.

The Nature Responsibility Framework offers a practical framing with clear links to existing best practice and resources for companies that are beginning their journey or are ready to deepen their commitments on nature. Gold Standard encourages anyone engaging on these topics to read the Framework and apply its guiding principles and recommendations.

Feedback and discussions from this release will inform future updates, ensuring the framework aligns with leading practice and knowledge.

Owen Hewlett, Chief Technical Officer of Gold Standard said:

“If companies take the right actions, invest in the right solutions and ensure those solutions deliver real impact, then we can make meaningful progress in addressing the dual climate and nature emergency.”