The highlights of new research findings from a sectoral analysis of the Nature Action 100 Company Benchmark were published in two opinion articles authored by Ceres in Environmental Finance. The articles covered findings from the food and beverage retail, household and personal goods, consumer goods retail, and metals and mining sectors.  

Amid ongoing investor and consumer scrutiny, the first article features research on how companies in three consumer sectors are taking key steps to develop business strategies that support healthy ecosystems and away from practices that cause nature’s further decline. Specifically, Ceres explores how companies in the food and beverage retail, household and personal goods, and consumer goods retail sectors are reporting their commitments, setting targets, and implementing nature plans, which represent three of the Nature Action 100 Investor Expectations for Companies.

“Under consumers’ watch, the results of the Nature Action 100 Company Benchmark deliver a first look at where corporate action stands,” writes Meryl Richards, program director, food and forests at Ceres. “As the public – and investor – spotlight on nature intensifies, more companies across sectors are expected to take crucial steps toward addressing their contributions to global nature and biodiversity loss as well as the opportunities that nature presents to companies’ bottom lines in the future.” 

Read “How companies in three key consumer-facing sectors are acting on nature” here.  

The second article focuses on takeaways of how mining companies can reduce the risk of infringing on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities while also meeting investor expectations and reaching their business goals. This research is especially timely following recent headlines of Indigenous groups protesting and suing mining companies in South America, and ahead of COP30 in the Brazilian Amazon later this year. 

“The metals and mining sector is heavily exposed to the material financial risks that can arise from mismanagement of environmental and social issues. While critically important to safeguard human rights and corporate bottom lines, major players in the metals and mining sector are not digging deep enough to meaningfully engage with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.” – Meryl Richards, program director, food and forests at Ceres. 

Read “How mining companies can foster a productive relationship with Indigenous Peoples on nature” here. 

Ceres co-leads the Corporate Engagement Working Group and Secretariat of Nature Action 100, alongside IIGCC.