But in a recent survey of businesses, 59% of executives said they saw biodiversity as more of an opportunity than a risk for their companies.

The survey, by consultants McKinsey, found that executives believe the opportunities include improving corporate reputations with environmentally conscious stakeholders by acting to preserve biodiversity; and developing new products from renewable natural resources.

Just over half of respondents said their companies were taking action, such as changing their operations and better communication. Executives are beginning to realise the corporate value of environmental action, McKinsey interprets.

Water scarcity is top of the list of particular threats, especially in the energy industry and in India. Others perceived major risks include infectious disease, food insecurity, desertification and soil degradation.

But over a third say they face no risks or threats.

Those who see themselves as particularly vulnerable include executives in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and energy companies, as well as hospitals.

One of the most frequently chosen responses is to develop new products or ideas from sustainable resources. However, most respondents do not have a systematic approach, probably because biodiversity is perceived to be of lower priority than other risks.  Only 22% have formal targets. Of these, 62% are operational and 27% financial. Over a third are taking no action.

In terms of regulation to tackle the issue, the type favoured by most respondents (45%) is tax incentives or direct subsidies for actions related to conservation. 38% would find acceptable, voluntary standards set by industry on the sustainable use of resources.

65% say the threats need to be addressed at a global, not local level, and 61% appreciate the connection with climate change but said addressing climate change alone would not be sufficient to tackle the problem of the loss of habitats and species.

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