Resource description:
The framework introduced in this document responds to a critical need: despite a rapidly growing interest in “nature positive,” existing measurement tools remain fragmented and often focus on single sectors, individual actors, or specific environmental dimensions. The GoNP! framework instead attempts to provide a unifying structure that connects ecological, social, and economic dimensions under a strong sustainability approach, which assumes that natural capital and ecological functions are non-substitutable and must be maintained as binding constraints on social and economic development. It also aligns with and builds upon established scientific and policy frameworks, including the Global Biodiversity Framework, IPBES assessments, planetary boundaries research, and the emerging landscape of naturerelated disclosure and target-setting initiatives targeted at the private sector.
At the core of the framework is a consolidated set of Guiding Principles describing what progress towards a NPE looks like, how transformation should occur, and the procedural conditions required to ensure a just, inclusive, and accountable transition. The two outcomes of a NPE are the Full recovery of nature, which necessitates maintaining and restoring the integrity and resilience of all ecosystems to achieve a net-positive trend to the point of full recovery, and ensuring Prosperity for all, where economic gains increase equitably with nature, leaving no one behind. Achieving this demands a profound shift articulated in three transformative pillars: Respecting ecological limits by confining production and consumption within planetary boundaries; to Transform economic systems for nature and equity by tackling the root drivers of biodiversity loss across political, financial, and social systems; and Ensuring a social foundation by securing basic human rights and life essentials for all. These principles are strictly governed by Procedural requirements that mandate Accountability, Recognize the role of every actor, require Measuring progress at all scales, Drive systemic change in sectors most responsible for biodiversity loss, and Acknowledge diverse values and worldviews.
To operationalise these principles, the Milestone introduces a first set of headline indicators drawn from established sources such as Nature Positive Initiative (NPI) metrics, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ (IPBES) socio-economic indicators, the Doughnut Economy, and metrics aligned with planetary boundaries. These indicators provide an initial basis for consistent and meaningful measurement but are deliberately not actor-specific. Their purpose is to offer a starting point from which actors can build context-specific indicators and metrics.
The Milestone marks the beginning of a consultation and refinement process which will conclude with the publication of a final set of guiding principles and indicators in 2027. This will involve engagement with targeted stakeholders, iterative testing with pilot partners, alignment with major initiatives led by partner organisations such as the World Benchmarking Alliance and ICLEI, and the development of an evaluation and grading methodology to help actors understand where they stand and where transformative action is most needed. By the end of GoNaturePositive!, this process will result in a finalised framework and practical tools for implementation.
To support broad engagement in this consultation and refinement process, readers are encouraged to join the GoNaturePositive! community via the Engage page on the project website, where they can sign up for updates, participate in events and discussions, and access opportunities to connect with peers and experts on advancing a Nature-Positive Economy (https://www.gonaturepositive.eu/engage).
Author/Contact:
Lead Authors: Francesca Magnolo, Jomme Desair (INBO)
Contributing Authors: Bosco Lliso (WBA), Rachel Golden Kroner (WWF), Niak Koh (OXF), Dharm Kapletia (TCD), Jauza Hasna (INBO/KUL), Gauke Van Den Abeele (INBO/UGent), Naomi Adigbo (ICLEI), Linda Björk (WWF), Dara Maria Krolpfeifer (AU), Doan Nainggolan (AU), Xuelai Wang (WBA), Douwe De Vestele (Voedsel Anders), Esmeralda Borgo (Voedsel Anders), Federica Bosco (Etifor), Colm O’Driscoll (Etifor), Sander Jacobs (INBO), Daniela Rizzi (ICLEI), Marianne Zandersen (AU) and Siobhan McQuaid (TCD)