Overview

SNF Group recognizes the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect and conserve it. This Biodiversity Policy outlines our commitment to preserving biodiversity in all our operations and activities.

Definition

Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms on earth: the different plants, animals, micro-organisms, their genes, and the terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems of which they are a part.

Objectives

• To promote the conservation of biodiversity by implementing sustainable practices and initiatives.
• To raise awareness about the value and importance of biodiversity among our employees, stakeholders, and the wider community.
• To actively contribute to local and global efforts in conserving biodiversity.

Ecological Diagnostic Assessments

SNF conducts ecological assessments in its activities and projects, including habitat, fauna, flora, and wetland evaluations, to identify areas of high biodiversity value and prioritize their conservation.

Measurable Goals

• Integration into Strategy: We will integrate biodiversity considerations into the SNF Group’s strategy by engaging at the highest level and analyzing the impacts of our activities and upcoming projects.
• Set measurable objectives to ensure progress and accountability in biodiversity conservation.
• Implement actions to reach our objectives.

Reducing Pressures on Biodiversity and Ecosystems

• Forest Conservation: SNF actively combats deforestation and imported deforestation, supporting sustainable forest management practices.
• Responsible Resource Use: We utilize natural resources responsibly, minimizing extraction and promoting sustainable sourcing.
• Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction: We implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to mitigating climate change impacts on biodiversity.
• Develop our Water Treatment Activities: SNF actively preserves this resource.

Project Impact Analysis

Comprehensive Project Evaluation: We will analyze the potential effects of projects, including construction phases, and refrain from proceeding if satisfactory avoidance, reduction, or compensation measures cannot be implemented.

Application of the “Avoid, Reduce, Compensate” Sequence

• Global Implementation: SNF will commit to applying the “Avoid, Reduce, Compensate” sequence worldwide in consultation with all stakeholders.
• Priority on Net Loss Avoidance or Net Gain: We will prioritize actions that prevent net biodiversity loss or lead to net biodiversity gain.
• Proximity of Measures: SNF Group will encourage the functional proximity of reduction and compensation measures to the impacted site.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: We will measure the effectiveness of reduction and compensation measures throughout their impacts.

Contribution to Research, Training, and Awareness

• Research Support: We actively contribute to biodiversity research, promoting scientific understanding and innovation.
• Training: SNF provides training programs to enhance our employees’ and stakeholders’ knowledge and skills regarding biodiversity conservation.
• Awareness Campaigns: We will engage in public awareness campaigns to educate and sensitize the broader community about the importance of biodiversity and the need for its conservation.

Compliance, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Compliance: SNF Group will comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and international agreements related to biodiversity conservation.
• Monitoring and Reporting: We will establish monitoring systems to evaluate the effectiveness of our biodiversity conservation measures and regularly report on our progress.

Resources Allocation

SNF will allocate necessary resources, including financial, human, and technological, to support the implementation of this Biodiversity Policy and achieve our conservation goals.

Review and Update

This Biodiversity Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness, considering changes in biodiversity conservation science, regulations, and stakeholder expectations.

SNF Group affirms its commitment to preserving and conserving biodiversity by adopting this Biodiversity Policy. We recognize that our actions directly impact the health and resilience of ecosystems and that safeguarding biodiversity is essential for a sustainable future.