Last week (Thursday 25 April) a special screening of The Business of Nature film, part of the Save Our Wild Isles campaign, was shown to organisations from across Northern Ireland at an event in Belfast.
The event, hosted by the National Trust and RSPB, took place in the Titanic Hotel Belfast, with the aim of empowering businesses to ensure that nature is at the forefront of all decisions they make.
The film focused on the actions that businesses can take to protect and restore nature, and it was followed by a panel discussion to explore the role of business in addressing the nature crisis, and how leaders can help turn the tide for nature and transform nature recovery into a business opportunity.
Taking part in the panel discussion, which was chaired by Patrick Nelson, National Trust NI Regional Advisory Group, was Heather McLachlan, Director for National Trust in Northern Ireland, Joanne Sherwood, Director, RSPB NI, and Thomas Ball, Director of Nature and Land Use, Sustainable Futures, KPMG.
Heather McLachlan, Director for National Trust in Northern Ireland said:
“Nature is globally important – but it’s in crisis. Last year’s State of Nature report, which is produced through a collaboration of over 60 partners from conservation NGOs, research institutes, and statutory nature conservation bodies, showed a continuing decline in the UK’s wildlife, with the UK now one of the most nature-depleted countries on earth. In Northern Ireland, one in nine (12%) species are threatened with extinction and farmland birds have decreased by 43% since 1996.
“Nature is not a ‘nice to have’, it is essential. Nature is fundamental to business and to the global economy with 50% of global GDP moderately or highly dependent on natural resources. And nature also has a vital role to play in the journey to net zero. Yet only 3% of UK businesses monitor nature and biodiversity risks to their businesses.
“We need to put nature at the heart of all business decisions and bring it to the heart of the boardroom. Businesses can help turn the tide for nature and turn nature recovery into a priority. If they do this, they will safeguard their business and provide resilience for the whole economy.”
If you are interested in hosting your own screening of the film, you can find out more information here: The Business of Nature film | Save Our Wild Isles
To watch the film now visit: How can businesses help solve the nature crisis? (youtube.com)
