GRI 101 and the Future of Biodiversity Reporting: Key Changes & Why it Matters

Nature is rising fast on the corporate sustainability agenda, and with it, the need for transparent and credible reporting on biodiversity-related impacts.

In light of this global momentum, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) launched GRI 101: Biodiversity 2024 in January 2024, a landmark update that replaces the previous GRI 304 standard and builds on recognised international frameworks and goals.

How does GRI 101 fit into the bigger picture?

GRI 101 draws on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which calls on companies to assess, disclose and reduce their impacts on nature. It also integrates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14 and 15 which emphasise the protection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The revised standard also entails closer alignment with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) to ensure that reporting captures both ecological and financial materiality, while supporting organisations’ strategic decision-making by identifying nature-related risks and opportunities.

What are the key changes from GRI 304 to GRI 101?

The updated standard introduces several key enhancements:

• A wider scope that now covers biodiversity impacts across the full value chain.
• A strong emphasis on location-specific disclosures to reflect site-level impacts.
• A greater focus on significant impacts that are material to each organisation.
• New disclosures on direct drivers of biodiversity loss, such as land-use change, climate change, pollution and invasive species.
• Integration of human rights considerations, including how biodiversity loss affects Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

When do companies need to align reporting with GRI 101?

GRI 101 becomes effective from January 1, 2026. For companies reporting in accordance with the GRI Standards, using GRI 101: Biodiversity 2024 is required for all reporting on biodiversity published on 1 January 2026 or later. For most organisations, this means reporting under the new standard will begin with FY2025 sustainability reports.

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