World Nature Conservation Day is a key date in the sustainability calendar, driving public awareness of the importance of protecting and rejuvenating the natural environment. Biodiversity loss is one of our greatest challenges and businesses have a key role to play in readdressing the balance. At The P & M Group we are committed to not only managing negative impacts but driving initiatives to restore nature too.
The UK is one of the most nature depleted nations in the world. According to the latest State of Nature report, abundance of monitored species has fallen by around 19% since 1970, and nearly one in six species are threatened with extinction.
Factors include intensive land use, climate change, unsustainable fishing practices and long-term habitat destruction. These are putting our precious flora and fauna under threat. Only 14% of key wildlife habitats are considered in good ecological condition, with just 7% of woodlands and 25% of peatlands meeting the standard.
World Nature Conservation Day is a call to action. Without large scale conservation measures, these trends will continue to undermine ecosystems, threaten species survival and compromise the natural capital upon which society depends.
Invaluable assets
It marks a moment of reflection about the importance of natural capital. We are dependent on the world’s stocks of natural assets like soil, air and water. They underpin all economic activity by providing businesses with the raw materials, ecosystem services and climate stability essential to production and reliable supply chains.
The gov.uk policy paper ‘An introductory guide to valuing ecosystems services’ defines Ecosystem services as services provided by the natural environment… that directly and indirectly affect human wellbeing.
According to a recent estimate by Office for National Statistics the current value of the UK’s natural wealth was just over £1.5 trillion, which is impressive given the UK’s GDP was £2.56 trillion in 2024. Understanding and valuing the benefits nature brings to the economy and society (also known as natural capital) enables better risk management, informed investment decisions and the implementation of more sustainable business models.
The onus is on everyone to prioritise conservation and reset relationships with nature. A key outcome of COP15 in December 2022, was the commitment by over 190 countries to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. Likewise, the UK’s Rebuilding Nature coalition is an alliance of conservation organisations, landowners, financial institutions, and businesses. It supports the creation of a Strategic Nature Network that restores interconnected ecosystems at scale, treating nature as national infrastructure aligned with economic growth.
Playing our part
The behaviour of business will prove pivotal in meeting the goal.
A recent project at The P&M Group was the transformation of our outdoor area at ISD Solutions into a green retreat, demonstrating how we are turning our sustainability commitments into tangible action. In collaboration with students from Gloucestershire College we have installed six planters made from reclaimed pallets and filled with pollinator-friendly perennials. Staff can now take time out to sit on new picnic benches to eat lunch or chat with colleagues whilst being immersed in nature, a clear example of how investing in biodiversity can meet the needs of both people and plantet
We intend to take this work to the next level with further nature positive projects and will integrate biodiversity into our wider sustainability strategy.
World Nature Conservation Day offers an ideal opportunity to showcase our work and encourage everyone to take action. Tips to embed a nature positive within your everyday life include:
- Plant for pollinators – Grow bee and butterfly-friendly plants in your outdoor spaces to support biodiversity and local ecosystems.
- Minimise plastic waste – Choose reusable alternatives to plastic packaging and single use plastics such as bags and bottles, to reduce pollution and protect wildlife.
- Reduce chemical use – If chemical pesticides or herbicides are used in the workplace, review your processes to reduce or eliminate their use to protect pollinators and supporting healthy soil ecosystems.
- Volunteer – Dedicate your time to support wildlife trusts, community nature projects or tree-planting schemes to support nature recovery.