Nature Takes the Boardroom: Onboarding nature!
“Imagine if the nature of business was Nature’s business”
On April 10, 2024, Ayu and Alexander Koene, from BR-ND People, went to Nyenrode University in Breukelen for the launch of Onboarding Nature, a toolkit aimed at integrating nature into business practices. It was a sunny and inspiring day about regrowing things of value. Let’s summarize our takeaways…
As we've messed up six out of nine planetary boundaries according to the Stockholm Resilience Centre, it’s time to get our priorities straight. Especially in business. Instead of humans first - nature second, we need to view ourselves as part of nature. We need to move away from anthropocentrism and reimagine nature as the main stakeholder (Arne Naess). In other words… Give nature a seat!
Onboarding Nature is a step-by-step guide on how to get nature onboard. It is developed by B Lab Benelux, Earth Law Center, and Nyenrode Business University. The toolkit provides four frameworks: Nature as inspiration, shareholder, advisor, and director.
What role does Nature play in your business?
The importance was emphasized by several guests. Cheryl Ann Angel, Sicangu Lakota Elder USA, spoke about reducing consumption, maintaining balance in our environment, and reconnecting with nature - taking examples from past generations to ensure future ones. Next, a panel discussion with professionals specialised in giving nature a leading voice in business shared their experiences - personal stories on why and mostly how…