New paper: Defining and operationalizing ‘nature-positive’ - a question of power

This paper, authored by Marie Stenseke, co-leader of the task force and researcher in the programme, and all the academic leaders of Mistra BIOPATH work packages Johanna Alkan Olsson, Susanne Arvidsson, Nils Droste, VIktor Elliot, Lena Gipperth and Henrik Smith, examines how the concept ‘nature-positive’ as a means to enhance biodiversity is defined and used, viewed through the lens of power.

Building on a three-dimensional conceptualization of power, they elaborate on how ‘nature-positive’ enters and remains on business and policy agendas, different interpretations from both ecological and business perspectives, and the governance of its implementation.

The findings reveal divergent positions, where some argue for a clear and operational definition that makes the concept practical for business and enforceable in legal frameworks. Others adopt a more critical standpoint, viewing it as a boundary object that facilitates processes encouraging positive actions.

At the same time, yet other voices regard it as a distraction from addressing the structural drivers of biodiversity loss. We conclude that, from a normative standpoint, an open and ideally balanced debate would empower multiple voices and interpretations.

Reflecting on who stands to benefit from different operationalizations is important from a justice perspective. For ‘nature-positive’ to serve as a driver of transformative change, it must be underpinned by a robust toolkit capable of addressing the complexity of biodiversity and its multiple values.

The paper is published in Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 2025, 77:101581, a themed issue on Biodiversity finance edited by Lena Gipperth, Nils Droste and Joakim Sandberg.

Download the paper from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2025.101581 or our section for Mistra BIOPATH publication