Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN)

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) provides companies with a framework for setting measurable, actionable, and time-bound targets for nature, complementing the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for climate by extending the science-based approach to biodiversity, land, water, and ocean systems.

SBTN was established in 2019 by a coalition of over 80 organisations, building on the success of SBTi's approach to climate targets. The network recognises that the climate and nature crises are deeply interconnected and that addressing one without the other is insufficient for achieving sustainable development.

The SBTN Framework

SBTN's approach follows a five-step process known as the SBTN Action Framework:

Step 1: Assess — Screen and assess the company's impacts and dependencies on nature across the value chain, using tools such as the ENCORE database and the SBTN Materiality Screening Tool.

Step 2: Interpret & Prioritise — Interpret assessment results to identify the most material issues and prioritise locations and activities for target-setting.

Step 3: Measure, Set & Disclose — Set science-based targets for priority issues using SBTN methods, and disclose targets and progress.

Step 4: Act — Implement strategies to achieve targets, following the AR3T framework (Avoid, Reduce, Restore and Regenerate, Transform).

Step 5: Track — Monitor progress against targets and report on outcomes.

Target Categories

SBTN has developed or is developing methods for targets across several categories:

Freshwater — Targets for freshwater quantity (water use) and quality (nutrient pollution), released in 2023 as the first validated SBTN targets.

Land — Targets for no conversion of natural ecosystems and land footprint reduction, addressing deforestation and habitat loss.

Biodiversity — Targets for species and ecosystem integrity, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's goal to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

Ocean — Targets for marine ecosystem health and sustainable ocean use (under development).

Relationship to Other Frameworks

SBTN complements SBTi (climate), TNFD (disclosure), and the GBF (policy). While TNFD provides the disclosure framework for nature-related risks and opportunities, SBTN provides the target-setting methodology. Together, they create a comprehensive approach to corporate nature action: assess impacts (TNFD LEAP), set targets (SBTN), and disclose progress (TNFD/ESRS/GRI).

Further Reading

• SBTN — Official SBTN website
• SBTi — Science-based climate targets
• TNFD — Nature-related financial disclosures

Related Topics

• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land
• Biodiversity & Nature