Identifying, measuring, valuing and managing nature-related risks and opportunities, while connecting these to traditional financial metrics and disclosures is now becoming the new norm for accountants and assurance providers.

Key developments

In 2024, The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) commenced work on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services as part of its research program.

In 2025, the ISSB announced its decision to advance this work to meet investors’ information needs through disclosures on nature related risks and opportunities, drawing on the Taskforce on Nature related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework.

In 2026, the ISSB confirmed its project on nature related disclosures (previously referred to as biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services), including incremental standard setting to introduce disclosure requirements for nature related risks and opportunities not already explicitly addressed in IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate related Disclosures. An exposure draft is expected to be published by COP17 in October 2026.

The Australian Government, on 27 March 2026, agreed to the implementation plan of Australia’s strategy for Nature 2024-2030. The implementation plan explains how Australia will halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.  

Why nature matters in Accounting

• Nature underpins long-term business resilience and profitability.
• Over half of global economic output depends on nature.
• Accountants are uniquely positioned to translate nature-related data into financial insights.

The Role of Accountants

• Accountants can help quantify nature-related risks and benefits.
• They play a key role in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder communication.
• Nature-related disclosures can be assured to increased credibility.

Getting Started

Build your knowledge

Consider resources below and further micro courses and publications listed on the sustainability resource centre.

Steps for Implementation:

• Identify nature-related dependencies and impacts for your business.
• Engage cross-functional teams or engage an expert.
• Use frameworks like TNFD to guide your business’ risk and opportunity identification and subsequent reporting.
• Keep an eye out on the latest ISSB developments in relation to biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services.

Resources