Accountants must understand the concepts, principles, challenges and opportunities of nature-related reporting to engage with boards and management on this increasingly vital issue.

The global accountancy body ACCA has issued a paper ‘Empowering business: navigating nature-related reporting’, designed to assist accountants supporting organisations to undertake nature-related reporting and drive meaningful action to tackle the sustainability-related challenges.

Jessica Bingham, regional policy lead for ACCA and the report author, said: “Nature is the foundation for all life on Earth, and our research suggests that an overwhelming number of organisations do not effectively assess and communicate their impacts and dependencies on nature.”

Organisations are increasingly disclosing their impacts and dependencies on nature, especially with the advent of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Europe. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has recently announced that it plans to carry out research into biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services as part of its work plan over the next two years, with a view to developing global reporting standards.

These changes will require accountants to increase their knowledge in this area. A core element of reporting these matters is setting out an organisation’s material nature-related impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities and underpins interconnections between the natural, social and human capitals.

The key messages in the report will be discussed by Jessica Bingham at COP 16 on biodiversity in Colombia on October 21 – November 1, including a panel discussion with standard setter the Global Reporting Initiative, credit agency S&P and biopharmaceutical company Astra Zeneca.

ACCA’s research, in collaboration with Glasgow University, found that 95 per cent of the 183 early adopters of disclosures recommended by The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have policies or commitments to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. However, only 35 per cent have policies and commitments informed by 2030 and 2050 global diversity frameworks (GBFs). Organisations that are already working with accountants on Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) are giving themselves a head start in developing nature related reporting, making themselves more resilient and managing their impact on nature.

The rise of nature related reporting is an opportunity for individual accountants and the profession across strategic planning, value creation, risk management, regulatory compliance, partnership development and decision making processes.

Bingham said: “Nature-related reporting is increasingly recognised as an essential component of organisational reporting. The role of accountants in this domain is pivotal in driving sustainable business practices and ensuring long-term financial health and environmental stewardship.”

About ACCA

We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.

Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we’ve long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries.

Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies.

Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we’re strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all.

Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com