New Ceres’ report offers guidance on landscape approaches to reduce nature risk

BOSTON – Ceres released a new report today making the business case for corporate participation in landscape initiatives to manage escalating risks from nature loss and build supply chain resilience.  

Landscape initiatives are multi-stakeholder programs where companies work with local partners, often in key sourcing regions, to holistically manage complex, interconnected environmental, economic, and social risks. Ceres’ new report, Working Across Landscapes: An Investor Guide to Managing Nature Risk at Scale, explains how these initiatives can be an effective complement to traditional due diligence processes – such as traceability systems and supplier monitoring programs – by addressing systemic risks that cannot be tackled by individual companies alone. 

Well designed and implemented landscape initiatives can have additional benefits besides protecting forests and other natural environments, the report notes. By adopting agricultural and forestry practices that contribute to ecosystem restoration, carbon sequestration, enhanced watershed management, and improved livelihoods, these initiatives can improve the long-term stability of production systems across entire regions. 

“As the threats from deforestation and conversion mount, our report lays out a strong business case for landscape initiatives as a strategic approach for companies to mitigate risks and advance their business goals,” said Karen Mo, director of nature research and partnerships, food and forests at Ceres, and a lead author of the report. “While individual corporate action is extremely important, and a few leading companies illustrate that cleaning up supply chains is possible, additional efforts are needed to effectively address systemic issues that extend far beyond the boundaries of any farm, mill, or facility.” 

Ceres’ new report shows many companies – including Nestlé, Mondelēz, and the International Paper Company – have realized the need to act beyond their supply chains and are pursuing landscape-level projects to reduce their exposure to nature-related risks. Nearly 350 companies disclosed engagement in over 570 landscape initiatives, with the median investment of $300,000 per company, according to 2024 CDP data. 

With more companies joining multi-stakeholder efforts, Ceres' report provides investors with a clear framework to engage agricultural and forestry companies in scaling action. The framework guides investors through a series of questions that help clarify the business value to participating companies, both by evaluating materiality to corporate operations or supply chains and understanding the credibility and impact of a company’s involvement.   

“Investors have long understood the risks that deforestation and natural ecosystem conversion pose to their portfolios, and they recognize the significant work that remains, despite years of engagement and implementation of corporate policies,” said Allan Pearce, director of engagement strategy, food and forests at Ceres. “We offer investors actionable resources to support their dialogues with companies in at-risk industries that will help deliver positive outcomes for corporate bottom lines, supply chains, and on-the-ground impact.”  

Read Ceres’ full report, Working Across Landscapes: An Investor Guide to Managing Nature Risk at Scale.  

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Editor’s Note:  

Our report comes ahead of London Climate Action Week, where a food and forests expert from Ceres will be sharing insights from this new report during an event, Investing in Resilient Landscapes, on June 24 at 9:30 a.m. BST. Register to attend in-person or join the livestream here.  

About Ceres 

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.