Consumer Information for SCP Programme
Biodiversity and Consumption Toolkit
Communicating the links between consumption and biodiversity & ecosystem services
We must act now to stop biodiversity loss caused by unsustainable consumption. To achieve this, well-targeted communication is key. This toolkit aims to support awareness-raising about the devastating impacts of conventional consumption patterns on nature, and to promote shifts in consumer behaviour, business practices and policy towards more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions. It provides guidance and tools for communication related to consumption and biodiversity, including ready-to-use info materials, good practice examples and a communication guide.
Existing consumption patterns play a role in the rapid degradation of nature and the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although awareness of the value of biological diversity and nature’s contributions to our well-being is increasing, most consumers are still unaware of how their individual consumption is connected to the causes of biodiversity decline around the world.
Biodiversity loss is just as much of a global challenge and equally as threatening as climate change – and both crises are strongly interlinked. Moreover, the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services are also essential in preventing future pandemics like Covid-19.
To contribute to a paradigm shift, the One Planet network Consumer Information Programme set up the Working Group 4 “Biodiversity Communication”. The goal is to help reduce the negative impacts of consumption on nature by activating stakeholders in policy, business and civil society, supporting communication and cooperation, and enabling consumers to make informed choices for sustainable consumption.
This toolkit was created and is maintained by the Working Group “Biodiversity Communication”. Its development was supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV) through a research and development project implemented by adelphi research and Öko-Institut.
Please contact the Consumer Information Programme coordination desk via ciscp@un.org for more information about this working group.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
