The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) today announced that Waitrose, Seatopia, Musholm A/A and Orkla Foods are among the first to pilot ocean science-based targets for the seafood sector using SBTN’s recently released guidance.
In August, SBTN invited companies to join the first cohort for its Step Up for Nature initiative, collectively signaling their intent to take science-based action on nature in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Participating companies were expected to work towards the first validated seafood targets while helping to refine the methods and validation process so they are credible, practical and ready to scale.
Participating companies were given free assistance with the preliminary steps:
- Step 1: Understand your impacts:Complete a science-based materiality screening and value chain assessment.
- Step 2: Prioritize action:Focus on action that will have the greatest impact for nature and business resilience.
And are now working on Step 3: Set science-based targets: Establish measurable goals for land, freshwater, and/or the ocean.
Through the initiative, companies publicly share the next step they intend to complete on their journey toward science-based targets for nature, along with the timeline for submitting their work for independent validation by the Accountability Accelerator. These intended milestones are published on SBTN’s new Ambition Board, providing transparency on companies’ direction of travel.
Several cohort participants are also part of SBTN’s new pilots, which are helping refine and operationalize additional guidance.
“We aim to strengthen our risk and opportunity assessment to support science-based action to address challenges across our seafood value chains,” said Lars Lundahl, Environment & Sustainable Sourcing Manager, Orkla Foods Sweden.
“By stepping up together, these companies send a clear signal that, even in uncertain times, business is moving to operationalize global goals for nature,” said Erin Billman, CEO of SBTN. “Companies are seeking clarity – and acting on it.”
