The increasing importance attached to the conservation of biological diversity presents businesses and other organisations with significant opportunities and threats. The key to making the most of the opportunities and managing the threats is having a full understanding of the issues involved.

Biodiversity is often perceived as a complicated subject; even the term ‘biodiversity’ can be confusing, whilst the processes of auditing biodiversity or deciphering biodiversity legislation can be daunting. This guide provides practical support to those involved in management of biodiversity issues within organisations. The aim is to ensure that environmental managers and other professionals within organisations feel well-equipped with the information and understanding they need to commission ecologists and interpret the work they do.

We also provide an insight into how biodiversity processes operate and can be integrated into mainstream environmental and organisational management. The increasing threats to biodiversity, including those associated with climate change, mean that the case for business engagement in biodiversity conservation has never been more urgent.

Our aim with this publication is to mobilise the IEMA’s membership and others into taking an active interest in biodiversity. We hope it will prompt members to explore their direct and indirect connection to the natural world, and to make a contribution to increasing the productivity and diversity of nature.