Advancing Biodiversity Standards: ISO's Role in Climate Action at COP30 and Beyond

Climate change and biodiversity loss are two of the most urgent challenges facing the planet today. Addressing these issues requires coordinated global efforts and clear frameworks that guide action across industries and governments. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is playing a crucial role in this effort by developing and advancing biodiversity standards that support climate action. Their involvement at COP30 and collaboration with institutions like the World Bank highlight how standards can drive measurable progress.

ISO standards supporting biodiversity conservation in forest ecosystems

How ISO Standards Support Biodiversity and Climate Goals

ISO develops international standards that provide practical tools for organizations to manage environmental impacts, including biodiversity conservation. These standards help businesses and governments measure, report, and improve their environmental performance in ways that align with global climate goals.

For example, ISO 14001 focuses on environmental management systems, encouraging organizations to identify and reduce their ecological footprint. More recently, ISO has been advancing standards specifically targeting biodiversity, such as ISO 14008, which guides organizations on assessing and valuing natural capital and ecosystem services.

By adopting these standards, companies can:

• Identify biodiversity risks in their operations and supply chains

• Implement strategies to minimize harm to ecosystems

• Report transparently on biodiversity impacts and improvements

• Align with climate action goals by protecting natural carbon sinks like forests and wetlands

  
  

These standards create a common language and framework that enable consistent, credible action worldwide.

ISO’s Engagement at COP30

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is a critical platform for advancing climate and biodiversity agendas. ISO’s active participation at COP30 demonstrates the growing recognition of standards as essential tools for climate action.

At COP30, ISO representatives highlighted how biodiversity standards complement climate commitments by:

• Encouraging nature-based solutions that enhance carbon sequestration

• Supporting sustainable land use and ecosystem restoration

• Facilitating cross-sector collaboration through shared measurement and reporting frameworks

  
  

ISO’s presence also helped raise awareness among policymakers about the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations into climate policies. This integration is vital because protecting biodiversity often leads to better climate outcomes, and vice versa.

Collaboration with the World Bank and Other Stakeholders

ISO’s work on biodiversity standards is strengthened through partnerships with global institutions like the World Bank. The World Bank’s recent report on biodiversity and climate action emphasizes the need for standardized approaches to measure and manage natural capital.

Together, ISO and the World Bank are:

• Promoting capacity building for countries to implement biodiversity standards

• Developing guidance tools that help governments and businesses assess ecosystem services

• Encouraging investment in biodiversity-friendly projects that also contribute to climate resilience

  
  

These collaborations ensure that standards are practical, scientifically sound, and aligned with international development goals.

Practical Examples of Biodiversity Standards in Action

Several organizations have already benefited from adopting ISO biodiversity standards:

• A forestry company used ISO 14008 to evaluate the carbon storage value of its forest lands, leading to improved conservation practices and new revenue streams through carbon credits.

• A manufacturing firm integrated biodiversity risk assessments into its supply chain management, reducing habitat destruction and improving stakeholder relations.

• A government agency applied ISO standards to monitor wetland restoration projects, ensuring that biodiversity gains also enhanced flood protection and water quality.

  
  

These cases show how standards translate into real-world benefits for ecosystems, communities, and climate.

What This Means for the Future

The integration of biodiversity standards into climate action frameworks marks a significant step forward. It means that climate solutions will increasingly consider the health of ecosystems, not just emissions reductions. This holistic approach is essential for long-term sustainability.

For businesses and policymakers, engaging with ISO standards offers a clear path to:

• Meet regulatory and market expectations for environmental responsibility

• Access new funding and partnerships focused on nature-based solutions

• Contribute meaningfully to global biodiversity and climate targets

  
  

As the world moves beyond COP30, the role of ISO in setting and promoting these standards will only grow.