The annual barometer asks 9,000 respondents from 9 countries around the world about biodiversity issues and to list those brands that they think respect biodiversity most.
Few companies have gained international recognition around respect for biodiversity, though in Latin America Natura Cosmetics leads the way, as consumers rank it among the top 3 of companies that respect biodiversity in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.
Barometer
The growing biodiversity awareness among consumers was highlighted in this year’s Biodiversity Barometer, and UEBT says that this means it is set to become a key factor in company strategies.
“As consumers grow more aware, opportunities exist for brands that respect biodiversity to position themselves around this issue. They can respond to demand for information, while offering them a way to contribute to biodiversity conservation when purchasing products”, said Rik Kutsch Lojenga, UEBT Executive Director.
The 2015 edition shows that 87% of consumers interviewed want to personally contribute to biodiversity, although they are not fully clear how to do so yet; and over 80% expect companies to respect biodiversity.
An average of 60% was able to provide brand names, but often on grounds of general environmental reputation, rather than for respect for biodiversity.
Beauty leads the way
Cosmetics appears to lead the way though, as consumers particularly associate beauty companies with respect for biodiversity, although this year more consumers mentioned food and household brands.
These finding are in line with the UEBT’s review of corporate reporting on biodiversity, which found limited attention is paid to the issue. Only 36% of the top 100 beauty companies and 60% of food companies mention biodiversity in their annual sustainability reports, says the UEBT.
In 2015, an average of 69% respondents say they have heard of biodiversity.
“To reach the 2020 targets on biodiversity awareness, bolder awareness raising efforts are needed not only by governments, but also by businesses and others,” Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
“As we come to the second half of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, let us all work together to reach out and increase understanding on biodiversity.”