24 February 2012: The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has launched the Business Ecosystems Training (BET) programme, which aims to build the capacity of corporations to measure, manage and mitigate their impact on the ecosystems where they operate and through their supply chains.

The development of the BET programme was supported by a network of global companies, environmental non-governmental organizations, the UN, academic institutions and environmental institutions, such as KPMG and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The programme is designed to help managers and employees across business functions better understand their company’s direct and indirect impact and dependence on ecosystems and ecosystem services. It is structured in four modules and covers a wide range of themes, from the basics of biodiversity and ecosystems, to in-depth tools such as the Corporate Ecosystem Services Review and the Guide to Corporate Ecosystem Valuation. The modules can be used individually and can also be customized by companies for incorporation into their own education and training programmes.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, James Griffiths, Managing Director, WBCSD Ecosystems, highlighted the role of the programme, stressing that, “effectively managing ecosystems related risks and opportunities can make companies more competitive, resilient to shocks and agile in a fast-changing world.” IUCN Director General Julia Marton-Lefèvre noted that it will contribute to providing business leaders with the new set of skills required for the transition to a green economy and green growth, by increasing their understanding of the need to “sustain ecological life support systems for healthy people and a healthy planet.” [WBCSD News Release]