Protecting and Restoring Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Regina Ramos  | Manager, Casais Corporate Engineering Office (EECO) 

Biodiversity, also known as biological diversity, refers to the variety of life in all its forms and levels, including the genetic diversity of species and ecosystems. More specifically, it encompasses genetic diversity – the genetic variation within each species, between individuals and populations; species diversity – the differences between living species, which include plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and micro-organisms, and ecosystems diversity - the variations in ecosystems within the biosphere, which comprises different communities of organisms interacting with their physical environment, such as a forest, coral reef, or swamp. 

Biodiversity is fundamental to the sustainability of the planet's natural ecosystems, which provide life-sustaining functions that include water purification, plant pollination, nutrient cycles and climate regulation.

Conserving biodiversity is essential to maintain the health of the planet and guarantee natural resources for future generations. 

According to The Global Risks Report 2022, 17th Edition – Insight Report published by the World Economic Forum, loss of biodiversity ranks third in the top ten of the biggest global risks we face this decade. 

It is the destruction of vegetation that protects the soil and the depletion of water sources that drives away the animals that used to lives in zones which are now becoming uninhabitable due to degradation and our failure to protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems that is jeopardising our very survival. 

Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humanity, writes in his subsequent work (2017), Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow : 

"(...) We therefore have a good chance of overcoming the problem of resource scarcity. The real nemesis of the modern economy is ecological collapse. Both scientific progress and economic growth take place within a brittle biosphere, and as they gather steam, so the shock waves destabilise the ecology. In order to provide every person in the world with the same standard of living as affluent Americans, we would need a few more planets – but we have only this one. If progress and growth do end up destroying the ecosystem, the cost will be dear not merely to vampires, foxes and rabbits, but also to Sapiens. An ecological meltdown will cause economic ruin, political turmoil, a fall in human standards of living, and it might threaten the very existence of human civilisation." 

So, if the loss of biodiversity is a specific concern that can have significant implications for the global and local economy, how will organisations be able to deal with the situation in a strategic and substantive way? 

Despite the catastrophic scenarios regarding the loss of biodiversity there is hope: To paraphrase the title of environmental activist Hubert Reeves’s book, itself an adaptation of a line in the German poet Friedrich Hölderlin’s Patmos (“Aber wo Gefahr ist, wächst. Auch die rettende Kraft wächst”), “where danger grows, the power to save also grows”. 

The construction sector plays a crucial role in global environmental impact due to its large consumption of resources and production of waste. This sector also has significant potential, however, to contribute to the restoration of ecosystems. Shared and Valued Territory is one of the four pillars of the Casais Group Sustainability Strategy.  

The Future of Biodiversity and Business is a theme that reflects the increasingly intertwined relationship between environmental sustainability and business practices. As the urgency to address climate change and loss of biodiversity intensifies, companies are recognizing that a healthy environment is fundamental to long-term profitability and resilience. Here are several key aspects of how nature and business are expected to develop together in the future: 

Transition to Sustainable Business Models 

Companies are shifting towards models that prioritise sustainability, recognising that environmental health directly impacts economic stability. This includes the adoption of circular economy principles, where waste is minimised and materials are reused, reducing the carbon footprint and creating economic value from waste. 

Integrating Environmental Objectives into Corporate Strategy 

Companies are integrating environmental sustainability into their strategies This goes beyond mere compliance with environmental regulations to encompass a proactive approach where sustainability drives innovation, operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

Investment in Green Technologies 

The future will see an increase in investment in green technologies that reduce carbon footprints, increase energy efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts. Technologies such as renewable energy, biodegradable materials and advanced recycling processes are becoming an integral part of business operations. 

Collaboration and Partnerships 

To tackle global environmental challenges, companies are increasingly involved in partnerships with governments, NGOs and other businesses. These collaborations seek to amplify positive impacts through resources and knowledge sharing, focusing on large-scale projects such as reforestation, water management, mobility and sustainable agriculture. 

Transparency and Reporting 

There is a growing demand from consumers, investors and regulators for greater transparency in how companies impact the environment. This has led to more comprehensive sustainability reporting and disclosure practices, to help stakeholders make informed decisions based on environmental performance. 

Regulatory Influence 

Governments play a crucial role by establishing ambitious environmental policies that require companies to adapt. These policies can include carbon pricing – assigning a cost to the negative impacts generated by an increase in greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, strict pollution controls, and incentives for sustainable practices, so motivating companies to innovate in order to comply. 

Consumer Preference 

Consumer behaviour is shifting towards environmentally friendly products and services. This shift is driven by customers’ growing awareness of environmental issues and a desire to reduce individual ecological footprints, which, in turn, influence corporate offerings and marketing strategies. 

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions 

Companies are beginning to recognise the importance of biodiversity and the useful functions performed by ecosystems, such as pollination, water purification and climate regulation. Preserving and enhancing these natural functions can mitigate risks and guarantee the resources needed for business operations. 

Integrating environmental health into business planning is not only an ethical necessity, but also a strategic imperative. Companies that proactively adopt sustainable practices are more likely to thrive in a future where natural resources are finite and public scrutiny of corporate environmental practices continues to intensify.