The unit(s) of measurement applicable to the metric.
: See additional metric notes
Indicator
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Indicators were developed by WBCSD. Learn more on the Methodology page.
: Ecosystem condition
Metric type
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The category of nature-related metrics. Learn more on the Methodology page.
: State
Framework alignment notes
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The details of a metric’s alignment to each framework, including where the same or similar metric can be found within the listed framework.
TNFD FA.A5.1
ESRS E4-5
SBTN: This metric is partially aligned with the requirements of the framework.
WBCSD Regen Ag Outcome: Improved ecological integrity
Target example
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An example target and the target source are presented to illustrate how a target could be set for this metric. Learn more on the Methodology page.
[Company name] commits to increasing the average proportion of natural and semi-natural habitats within [target location(s)] by [target amount, percentage], by [target year], compared with [baseline year] baseline
Target source: WBCSD target template
Additional target notes
Alternative target for consideration: [Company name] will have zero conversion of natural ecosystems in[target location(s)] by [2025, or earliest post-2025 date], compared with a 2020* cutoff year. (Source - Adapted from SBTN Land Target - No Conversion of Natural Ecosystems)
(* While the cutoff date of 2020 and the goal of no conversion is aligned both to science and international commitments and policies, the target date may differ based on implementation hurdles and local context.)
Sector
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Each metric applies to one sector.
Agri-food
Value chain stage
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Each metric applies to one or more stages of the value chain aligned with the associated actions.
Raw MaterialsManufacturing
Metric assessment
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The relevance and feasibility scores were determined by WBCSD member companies. Learn more on the Methodology page.
Relevance:High
Feasibility:High
Additional Metric Notes
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More details or context about the metric not captured above.
Rationale:
The NSH metric provides information on the composition of habitats in the agricultural landscape, but configuration is also important to ensure that ecosystem functions are maintained and services are provided to agricultural land. Based on ecological theory, multiple aspects of connectivity must be considered in agricultural landscapes:
1) Connection of NSH within and outside of the farm: Reducing isolation and barriers to movement, maintaining viable metapopulations.
2) Presence of larger patches of NSH: Source habitat for metapopulations; supports species that require larger areas.
3) Proximity of NSH to agricultural land: Ensures local ecosystem services reach the crops that need them.
No single metric can capture all these aspects, as trade-offs may exist. Therefore, three simple metrics are proposed:
1) Connectance Index: A measure of connectivity between NSH (0 when no patches are joined, 100 when all patches are joined). Proposed spatial scope: farm boundary plus 500m.
2) Proportion of NSH Core Area: The proportion of NSH in core area beyond 15m from a field edge.
3) Field Border Density: The length of all borders of agricultural fields composed of NSH, per total crop area (unit = metres/ha). A 2m width limit threshold applies. Includes hedgerows, buffer strips, and wildflowers that meet the definition of semi-natural habitat above.
Related actions
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The other actions that the metric is mapped to.
Restore areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to operations
Support and incentivize regenerative agriculture and sustainable intensification outcomes at sourcing locations
Reduce GHG emissions from operations and land use activities
Protect areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to operations
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize agri-inputs and drive sustainable intensification
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas, in resource extraction and production processes
Develop and deploy inputs and technology to drive sustainable intensification and regenerative agriculture outcomes
Develop and implement practices to drive regenerative agriculture