The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has set a new standard for corporate sustainability with the launch of ISO 17298: Biodiversity for organisations – Guidelines and Requirements. Announced at ISO’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Kigali, this benchmark offers organisations a globally recognised framework for integrating biodiversity into governance and risk management. Learn how the new ISO biodiversity standard reshapes business approaches to nature-related risks.
A structured response to biodiversity loss
With over 55 percent of global GDP at risk from nature degradation, businesses are increasingly exposed to biodiversity-related risks. However, until now, no unified approach has existed to guide meaningful action. ISO 17298 fills this gap by providing a practical, scalable framework for assessing biodiversity impacts and integrating nature considerations into corporate decision-making.
Developed by ISO Technical Committee 331 (ISO/TC 331), which includes experts from over 60 countries, the ISO biodiversity standard aligns with global frameworks including ISO 14001, ISO 26000, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). It also supports Target 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for business disclosure and accountability on nature.
Learn how to align with ISO 17298 and leverage biodiversity action as a driver of performance
Embedding biodiversity into business strategy
The ISO biodiversity standard goes beyond traditional sustainability reporting. It is designed to integrate biodiversity into the heart of business strategy. It links environmental realities with governance structures, financial decisions, and operational performance.
“No global framework existed until now for integrating biodiversity into corporate decision-making,” said Noelia Garcia Nebra, ISO’s Head of Sustainability and Partnerships. “ISO 17298 provides that missing structure – a roadmap that enables organisations to align operational realities with global expectations.”
The standard is also interoperable by design, allowing organisations to align biodiversity reporting with existing ESG frameworks and disclosure requirements. It builds on the TNFD’s LEAP framework and supports harmonisation across jurisdictions, addressing investor and regulator demands for credible, comparable data on nature-related risks.
Towards a nature-positive economy
ISO 17298 is the first of several biodiversity-related standards under development by ISO/TC 331. Future work will include guidance on biodiversity net gain, vocabulary, and product characterisation based on native species, laying the groundwork for a consistent, science-based approach to nature-positive business.
For organisations serious about advancing corporate sustainability, the ISO biodiversity standard represents a credible, globally aligned tool for turning ambition into action. It also opens the door to emerging nature-based finance mechanisms and enhanced stakeholder trust.
Looking ahead
As biodiversity becomes inseparable from business resilience, the ISO biodiversity standard is poised to become a cornerstone of forward-thinking ESG strategy. Organisations ready to lead on nature must now take the next step: integrate ISO 17298 into governance, risk, and sustainability planning. Discover how our corporate sustainability training solutions can help your organisation implement ISO 17298 and take credible, nature-positive action.
Marek Wystepek is the Enterprise Sales Executive at the Institute of Sustainability Studies, bringing a wealth of experience in strategic growth, commercial sales, and enterprise partnerships.
With a consultative sales approach and a deep understanding of diverse markets across Ireland and the UK, Marek is passionate about helping businesses advance their sustainability education. His entrepreneurial mindset and proven track record in driving business success make him a key asset to the team.
