Why nature reporting is gaining significance for companies
Until the mid-2010s, few companies reported on on their nature-related impacts. However, nature reporting has gained significant traction in the past few years as businesses recognize the financial, operational and reputational risks associated with nature loss and a lack of data monitoring.
As the conversation surrounding sustainability advances, companies are increasingly expected to disclose their dependencies and impacts on nature, integrating biodiversity and ecosystem considerations into their reporting frameworks.
Key players in nature reporting and when to use them
Several major initiatives have emerged to guide businesses in reporting and managing nature-related risks and opportunities. Each serves a distinct purpose, and complements the other in supporting corporate sustainability efforts:
- Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD): TNFD is the most comprehensive nature disclosure framework, providing companies with structured guidance on assessing and reporting nature-related risks and dependencies. As of 18 February 2025, the TNFD released a major update to its Knowledge Hub, offering training videos, case studies and resources to help businesses make the case for disclosure and better understand their impacts.
- Natural Capital Protocol (Capitals Coalition): The Capitals Coalition is a framework for businesses to measure and value their impacts and dependencies on natural capital. This is particularly useful for organizations looking to integrate nature-related considerations into decision-making processes.
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): The GRI is a well-established sustainability reporting framework that includes specific disclosures on biodiversity and ecosystem impacts. The UN Global Compact references GRI in its Communication on Progress (CoP), making it a key tool for participants.
- Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN): Unlike the aforementioned frameworks, the SBTN provides a methodology for setting measurable, science-based targets to align corporate actions with planetary boundaries. Kering, Holcim and GSK were the first companies to declare SBTNs, demonstrating corporate leadership in this space.
The UN Global Compact collaborates with all of these organizations, helping businesses integrate nature into their sustainability strategies.
The business case for nature reporting
As nature-related risks become more material to investors, regulators and consumers, a paradigm shift presents itself; reporting on nature is no longer just a voluntary exercise—it is a strategic advantage. Companies that engage in nature-related disclosures benefit from:
- Risk reduction & future-proofing: Identifying and mitigating environmental risks can help companies avoid financial and operational disruptions.
- Competitive advantage: Proactive disclosure and sustainability leadership can enhance brand reputation and stakeholder trust.
- Supply chain resilience: Understanding dependencies on natural resources can help businesses secure long-term access to raw materials and reduce vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.
- Increased innovation: Investing in nature-positive solutions can drive new product development and business model transformation.
- Access to new markets: Sustainable practices can open doors to emerging markets with growing regulatory and consumer demand for responsible business practices.
To further support companies on their nature disclosure journey, the UN Global Compact will host two Academy sessions in June 2025—one focused on the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures and another on Science-Based Targets for Nature. These sessions will provide businesses with practical insights on integrating nature considerations into their reporting and strategy.
As the private sector accelerates its efforts to align with global sustainability goals, nature reporting will continue to be a critical component of corporate accountability. The companies leading the way today are setting the standard for a more sustainable and nature-positive economy.
The Communication on Progress (CoP) is the key accountability mechanism of the UN Global Compact and helps participating companies track and disclose their sustainability efforts in alignment with the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The CoP includes reporting on environmental topics, specifically those directly related to nature and biodiversity, ensuring that businesses assess and communicate their impact on ecosystems, natural resources and climate resilience. Given this focus, referencing the CoP reinforces the importance of corporate transparency and action in safeguarding biodiversity and advancing nature-positive solutions.
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The UN Global Compact has launched its global strategy for 2026–2030, designed to mobilize the private sector to translate sustainability ambitions into tangible results – at the scale required to address today’s global challenges. In a context of mounting pressures – from climate change and geopolitical uncertainty to growing social inequalities – businesses have a critical role to play in building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global economy. As the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, the UN Global Compact brings together more than 23,000 companies across over 160 countries, providing a platform for collaboration, accountability and shared learning. The Strategy focuses on accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through three interconnected pillars: Empowering companies with programmes, tools and guidance to integrate sustainability into core business strategies and operations Advancing collective action through partnerships that address complex systemic challenges Strengthening the business case for sustainability, demonstrating its contribution to long-term value creation, resilience and competitiveness Particular emphasis is placed on priority areas such as climate action, human rights, gender equality, decent work, anti-corruption and sustainable finance. The Strategy signals a clear shift from commitments to measurable impact – with the aim of embedding sustainability into the way business is conducted, managed and grown.
UN Global Compact predstavio je novu globalnu strategiju za razdoblje 2026.–2030., usmjerenu na mobilizaciju poslovnog sektora kako bi održive ambicije pretvorio u konkretne rezultate – na razini koju zahtijevaju globalni izazovi današnjice. U vremenu rastućih globalnih izazova – od klimatskih promjena i geopolitičkih nestabilnosti do društvenih nejednakosti – kompanije imaju ključnu ulogu u izgradnji otpornijeg, pravednijeg i održivijeg gospodarstva. Kao najveća svjetska inicijativa za korporativnu održivost, UN Global Compact okuplja više od 23.000 kompanija u preko 160 zemalja, pružajući im platformu za zajedničko djelovanje i razmjenu znanja. Strategija 2026.–2030. usmjerena je na ubrzanje napretka prema Ciljevima održivog razvoja (SDGs) kroz tri međusobno povezana stupa: Osnaživanje kompanija kroz programe, alate i smjernice za integraciju održivosti u poslovne modele i procese Kolektivno djelovanje putem partnerstava koja omogućuju rješavanje kompleksnih globalnih izazova Jačanje poslovnog argumenta za održivost, uz dokazivanje njezina doprinosa dugoročnoj vrijednosti, otpornosti i konkurentnosti Poseban naglasak stavljen je na ključna područja poput klimatskih promjena, ljudskih prava, rodne ravnopravnosti, dostojanstvenog rada, borbe protiv korupcije i održivih financija. Nova strategija potvrđuje prijelaz s deklarativnih obveza na mjerljiv učinak – s ciljem da održivost postane sastavni dio načina na koji se poslovanje planira, vodi i razvija.
Nakon razdoblja postavljanja ciljeva i strateških okvira, fokus se sve snažnije pomiče na njihovu provedbu i integraciju u poslovne procese – od klimatskih planova i upravljanja ljudskim pravima do jačanja integriteta i rodne ravnopravnosti u praksi. Regulatorni zahtjevi postaju precizniji, očekivanja dionika jasnije definirana, a održivost se potvrđuje kao sastavni dio dugoročne otpornosti i konkurentnosti poslovanja. Ovo izdanje donosi pregled ključnih inicijativa, programa i događanja koja obilježavaju početak godine – uključujući poruku globalnog vodstva, objavu godišnjeg izvještaja, uvide iz Digital COP-a, aktualne akceleratorske programe te aktivnosti povezane s održivim financiranjem i Međunarodnim danom žena. U nadolazećem razdoblju naglasak ostaje na jačanju kapaciteta članica, razmjeni iskustava i sustavnoj provedbi ESG principa. Nastavljamo pružati podršku kroz programe, alate i aktivnosti koje doprinose razvoju odgovornog i održivog poslovanja.
This analysis draws on questionnaire responses from UN Global Compact member companies that submitted the 2024 Digital Communication on Progress (COP). The findings show that sustainability is increasingly embedded in how companies plan, manage, and develop their business activities. The data offer insight into current practices among Network members as well as the broader direction in which the Croatian business sector is evolving.
Analiza temeljena na upitnicima kompanija članica UN Global Compacta koje su predale Digital COP 2024. Hrvatske kompanije okupljene u UN Global Compact mrežu Hrvatska jasno pokazuju da održivost više nije sporedna tema, već sve snažnije postaje dio načina na koji se poslovanje planira, vodi i razvija. Podaci iz digitalno popunjenog COP-a za 2024. godinu pružaju vrijedan uvid u to gdje se hrvatsko gospodarstvo trenutno nalazi – ali i u kojem smjeru se kreće.
The role of the business sector in human rights discussions has become inseparable from issues of sustainability, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. For this reason, the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva represents one of the key global platforms bringing together companies, international organizations, regulators, and experts shaping the future frameworks for responsible business conduct. Among the panellists at this year’s Forum was Lucia Ana Tomić, Head of HR and Regulatory Affairs at Wiener osiguranje Vienna Insurance Group d.d., a member company of the UN Global Compact Network Croatia . Her participation in the Forum is directly linked to the company’s active engagement in the Network, which provides its members with access to international UN platforms, facilitates knowledge exchange, and enables participation in global discussions on business and human rights. Experiences from Geneva clearly demonstrate that membership in the UN Global Compact Network Croatia is not not merely a formal commitment, but a meaningful opportunity for professional development, strategic positioning, and meaningful impact.
Sudjelovanje poslovnog sektora u raspravama o ljudskim pravima danas je neodvojivo od pitanja održivosti, otpornosti i dugoročne konkurentnosti. Upravo zato UN Forum o poslovanju i ljudskim pravima u Ženevi predstavlja jedno od ključnih globalnih mjesta susreta kompanija, međunarodnih organizacija, regulatora i stručnjaka koji oblikuju buduće okvire odgovornog poslovanja. Među panelisticama ovogodišnjeg Foruma bila je i Lucia Ana Tomić, Head of HR and Regulatory Affairs u Wiener osiguranje Vienna Insurance Group d.d., tvrtki članici Global Compact mreže Hrvatska. Njezino sudjelovanje na Forumu izravno je povezano s aktivnim uključivanjem u rad mreže, koja svojim članicama omogućuje pristup međunarodnim UN platformama, razmjenu znanja i sudjelovanje u globalnim raspravama o poslovanju i ljudskim pravima. Iskustva iz Ženeve jasno pokazuju kako članstvo u Global Compact mreži Hrvatska nije samo formalna obveza, već konkretna prilika za profesionalni razvoj, strateško pozicioniranje i utjecaj.
The Annual Report of the Global Compact Network Croatia for 2025 provides an overview of the key activities, programmes and partnerships through which we strengthened sustainable and responsible business practices in Croatia throughout the year. In a year marking the 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact, the report highlights our work across the BUILD, REACH and ENGAGE pillars, demonstrating how we strengthened the Network's capacities, expanded collaboration, and delivered concrete support to our members in implementing the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. The report also offers a transparent overview of the results achieved, as well as the strategic direction for the further development of activities in 2026.
Izvještaj o radu Global Compact mreže Hrvatska za 2025. godinu donosi pregled ključnih aktivnosti, programa i partnerstava kojima smo tijekom godine jačali održivo i odgovorno poslovanje u Hrvatskoj. U godini u kojoj UN Global Compact obilježava 25 godina djelovanja, kroz područja BUILD, REACH i ENGAGE prikazujemo kako smo gradili kapacitete Mreže, širili suradnju i pružali konkretnu podršku članicama u primjeni deset načela i Globalnih ciljeva održivog razvoja. Izvještaj ujedno pruža transparentan uvid u ostvarene rezultate te smjer daljnjeg razvoja aktivnosti u 2026. godini.
The annual gathering in Zagreb brought together representatives of public institutions, the business sector, and the media to foster cooperation and advance the integration of sustainability into business and societal strategies. UN Global Compact Network Croatia hosted its traditional annual gathering in a festive setting at the SquareOne restaurant in central Zagreb, welcoming members, non-member organizations, partners, as well as representatives of public institutions and the media. The aim of the event was to further encourage dialogue on sustainable business practices and to strengthen cooperation between public and private stakeholders. The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, aligned with the Ten Principles of the United Nations in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. The Croatian Network operates as part of this global community, encouraging companies and organizations to align their business models with sustainability and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Croatia. Key Messages The gathering was opened by Ana Pašiček , Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Croatia, who emphasized the Network’s key role in connecting the public and private sectors and the importance of creating space for collaboration that leads to tangible progress toward more sustainable and responsible business practices. Following this, the participants were addressed by senior officials from state institutions: ● Željko Vuković , State Secretary at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, highlighted the responsibility of public institutions in leading the green transition, with particular emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint and the effective use of available financial mechanisms. ● Ivo Milatić , State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, highlighted the key role of investing in people and knowledge in times of change, noting that sustainability is increasingly shaping investment decisions and the expectations of younger generations. The audience was also addressed by Marina Burazer , Member of the Management Board of UN Global Compact Network Croatia and ESG and Marketing Director at Fortenova Group. She emphasized that sustainability implies the long-term resilience of organizations through balancing the impact of business on society and the environment, as well as the impact of society and the environment on business itself. Following the formal addresses, the gathering continued in a relaxed and informal atmosphere over food and drinks, encouraging open dialogue and the exchange of experiences among participants. The Network’s work plan for the upcoming year was presented through visual infographics displayed throughout the venue, offering a modern and accessible way to communicate strategic priorities and maintaining a balance between an informal setting and substantive content. A Symbol of Shared Commitment All participants received a symbolic gift - a watch featuring a graphic of the planet and the message “No pause” - serving as a reminder of the responsibility and urgency of action in the field of sustainability. We would like to thank all members, partners, representatives of public institutions and the media for their continued support of the work of the UN Global Compact Network Croatia, as well as for their dedicated contribution to advancing the goals of sustainable and responsible business.
