The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, the Science Based Targets Network, and the Nature Positive Initiative have released aligned updates designed to standardise corporate nature assessment, target-setting, and reporting.
Unified measurement framework for corporate nature action
On 13 October 2026, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), and the Nature Positive Initiative (NPI) issued coordinated updates to align how organisations assess, set targets for, and report on nature-related issues.
With human activity currently exceeding seven of nine planetary boundaries, the combined release provides a shared scientific foundation for corporate risk management. The alignment allows businesses and financial institutions to reuse data, analysis, and outputs across both TNFD reporting and SBTN target-setting processes.
The updates arrive ahead of the CBD COP17 summit in Yerevan, Armenia, supporting implementation of Target 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which encourages governments to require corporate disclosure of biodiversity dependencies and impacts.
TNFD releases LEAP v2.0 assessment standard
The TNFD published LEAP v2.0, representing the first major structural upgrade to its assessment methodology since September 2023. The framework retains its core four-phase approach: Locate, Evaluate, Assess, and Prepare.
LEAP v2.0 incorporates new guidance on measuring the state of nature, considerations around environmental crime, and specific metrics for invasive alien species. It also provides updated material on nature-related opportunities, financial institution portfolio assessments, and transition planning across landscape and seascape approaches.
SBTN updates target-setting methods to version 2.0
SBTN launched Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0, expanding options for corporate adoption based on data readiness and supply chain traceability. The release introduces stepwise validation, focused scopes, and supplier engagement target options.
Methodological updates broaden coverage across freshwater and land domains, addressing groundwater, pesticide impacts on water quality, and working land restoration. Targeted guidance has also been expanded for sectors including mining, extractives, infrastructure, and construction, accompanied by new resources for moving from target-setting into action planning.
Universal state of nature metrics established
Led by the Nature Positive Initiative and approved by 27 member organisations, the newly published State of Nature Indicators and Metrics distil more than 600 existing metrics into four core indicators: ecosystem extent, ecosystem condition, species extinction risk, and species populations.
The metrics framework was developed over a two-year process involving more than 500 experts and was field-tested by 29 companies across 50 sites in 23 countries. The universal metrics have been integrated directly into both TNFD LEAP v2.0 and SBTN 2.0, establishing a consistent basis for measuring state-of-nature changes across global supply chains.
| Organisation | Release | Primary Scope & Updates |
|---|---|---|
| TNFD | LEAP v2.0 | First major upgrade since Sept 2023; adds state of nature measurement, environmental crime, invasive species guidance, and portfolio assessment tools. |
| SBTN | Science-Based Targets 2.0 | Expanded freshwater and land methods, supplier engagement pathways, stepwise validation, and sectoral guidance for extractives and construction. |
| Nature Positive Initiative | State of Nature Indicators & Metrics | Distils 600+ metrics into 4 core indicators (extent, condition, extinction risk, population) integrated directly into TNFD and SBTN. |
