Oxford - With the European Union pledging to dramatically cut the current loss of biodiversity by 2010*, Earthwatch, the international environmental organisation, can provide businesses with the resources they need to play a significant role in the reversal of this alarming trend.

Earthwatch understands that biodiversity can only be sustained by engaging all sectors of society and, as a result, is currently working with around 35 international companies to achieve positive environmental outcomes, including involving employees in Earthwatch field research projects.

Dave Hillyard, Director of Programme Development at Earthwatch, says, 'Biodiversity, the variety of life and natural systems, is fundamental to a healthy society, and business is obviously an integral part of this. As we continue to lose biodiversity, businesses will start to miss out on important opportunities like new product development and the latest technology. This loss represents a real business risk, particularly for some sectors, as the research project we are currently working on with ISIS Asset Management and DFID will hopefully identify later this year**.'

The recently re-designed www.businessandbiodiversity.org***, hosted by Earthwatch, is a one-stop-shop where people can find out about the important role biodiversity plays for business. Since the re-vamp in January 2004, 20 909 visitors have been recorded to the web site, a change of 7, 628 per quarter.

Through the website, companies can see how their sector impacts upon wildlife and nature, what other companies are doing to conserve and manage biodiversity, and find out what they could be doing themselves.

BP is one example of a successful working partnership between Earthwatch and the business sector. BP has a company-wide strategy for managing its impact on, and contribution to, biodiversity and has been working with Earthwatch to develop and monitor its biodiversity action plans (BAPs) at its key sites.

With a significant number of BAPs in place, Earthwatch is now working with BP as they develop a means of assessing their quality, identifying areas for improvement and integrating their verification within their ISO 14001 environmental management system.

Greg Coleman, Group Vice President, Health, Safety and Environment, BP p.l.c, says, 'Conserving the environment is both a moral necessity and a valuable business opportunity. Working in collaboration with Earthwatch has helped us develop strategies, tools and processes to manage BP's impacts on the natural environment.'

Dave Hillyard, further comments, 'Leading businesses are aware of the risks biodiversity poses to them and are taking positive steps to address them. However, in general, businesses need to become more aware and involved in biodiversity management. By visiting www.businessandbiodiversity.org they will be able to see how easy it is to take steps towards reversing this devastating decline of biodiversity and the risks and opportunities it presents to their business.'

The site offers news, practical tools and guidance for action, details on the legislative and policy contexts of biodiversity, as well as links to organisations, publications and case studies of companies focusing on biodiversity.

Editor's Notes:

www.businessandbiodiversity.org is hosted by Earthwatch, with support from DEFRA, English Nature, Marks & Spencer and BP.

*http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eussd/

**Earthwatch is working with ISIS Asset Management and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) on 'the materiality of biodiversity risks', a project which will identify which industry sectors are likely to be exposed to significant business risks in relation to biodiversity issues. The report from this project will be launch in June 2004 and will provide a tool for companies and their investors to address identify and address their biodiversity risks.

*** The web site has been redesigned and was launched in January 2004. Since the launch, 20 909 visitors have been recorded to the web site, a change of 7, 628 per quarter.

Completely re-designed overall look and structure

Revision of 'Take Action' section with more comprehensive coverage of specific tools and good practice (existing text has been revised)

New sectoral pages which will be added to over the coming year

General context section has been revised, some text updated and new pages added

Easier to follow and more frequently updated news and diary of events

The Irish Presidency of the EU has adopted the Kuala Lumper Declaration issued at the 7th conference of the parties to the convention on Biological Diversity. For more information see http://www.eu2004.ie/templates/news.asp?sNavlocator=66&list_id=279

Earthwatch Institute (Europe) engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

Earthwatch Institute (Europe) is the European affiliate of Earthwatch Institute, which is based in the USA and was founded in Boston in 1971. Other affiliate offices in the Earthwatch Institute network are based in Australia and Japan.

Earthwatch Institute (Europe) is the working name for Conservation Education & Research Trust (CERT), a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number: 4373313) and a registered charity (number: 1094467). Registered office: 267 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7HT UK.

Since 1971 the worldwide organisation has recruited over 65,000 volunteers in support of 2,800 field research projects in 118 countries. These volunteers have contributed over 10 million hours to essential field work.

Earthwatch currently supports over 140 research projects in 50 countries by providing funds and paying volunteers. It offers members of the public opportunities to work as volunteers alongside leading field scientists and researchers. No special skills are required (except scuba certification for diving projects).

Earthwatch volunteers pay to participate or receive grant-assisted places. Prices range from £120 to £2199 and project teams range from three to eighteen days. The price paid is a charitable donation, which funds the research work. Accommodation and food is included in most cases, but flights are extra.

Website: http://www.earthwatch.org/europe

Earthwatch

Earthwatch

Earthwatch Institute is an international environmental organisation whose mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Earthwatch currently supports over 130 environmental research projects in 50 countries by providing funds and paying volunteers who work alongside leading field scientists and researchers.

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