OP2B Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of two New Co-Chairs
OP2B is strengthening its Board with the appointment of two new Co-Chairs: Jan Derck van Karnebeek, CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina, and Ewan Andrew, President, Global Supply & Chief sustainability Officer of Diageo.
Their extensive experience will be fundamental in moving forward the work to support European farmers, reward environmental performance, and accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture. OP2B brings together 25 global companies committed to expand regenerative farming practices that help farmers stay resilient, protect nature and strengthen supply chains. Since its inception in 2019, OP2B promotes regenerative agriculture principles and aligns companies around results-based indicators to catalyze collective investment and action across production basins.
!Jan Derck van Karnebeek
Jan Derck van Karnebeek
!Ewan Andrew
Ewan Andrew
OP2B: A Business Coalition for Biodiversity
Table of Contents
OP2B (one Planet Business for Biodiversity) is a collaborative initiative bringing together leading global companies to accelerate the transition towards regenerative food systems that benefit both people and nature. Launched in 2021, the coalition focuses on transforming agricultural practices to protect and restore biodiversity, recognizing the critical link between healthy ecosystems and a sustainable food supply. https://www.wbcsd.org/OP2B
The Core of OP2B: Addressing the Biodiversity crisis
The world is facing a biodiversity crisis,with alarming rates of species extinction and ecosystem degradation. Agriculture is a major driver of biodiversity loss, but it also holds the key to restoration.OP2B aims to address this paradox by fostering collaboration and driving systemic change within the food and agriculture sector. the coalition recognizes that businesses have a crucial role to play in safeguarding biodiversity, not only as a matter of environmental responsibility but also for long-term business resilience.
Key Companies Driving the Initiative
OP2B’s membership includes prominent companies across the food and beverage industry. As of December 5, 2024, board members include:
* Anita Wälz (Head of Sustainability Europe, Nestlé)
* Antoine de Saint-Affrique (CEO, Danone)
* Arnaud de Saignes (President, Maison Chandon, LVMH)
* Ezgi Barcenas (Chief responsibility Officer, L’Oréal)
* Greg Metschke (Global VP Purchasing & Sustainable Sourcing, Griffith Foods)
* Guillaume le Cunff (CEO Europe, Nestlé)
* Laurent Martel (CEO, Bioline by InVivo)
* Max Koeune (CEO, McCain)
* Peter Bakker (President & CEO, WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development)
* Robbert de Vreede (General Manager Foods Europe, Unilever)
The coalition is facilitated by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). https://www.wbcsd.org/
OP2B’s Focus Areas & Approach
OP2B centers its work around several key areas:
* Regenerative Agriculture: Promoting farming practices that enhance soil health,conserve water,and increase biodiversity.
* Supply Chain Transformation: Working with suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce environmental impacts.
* Policy Advocacy: Engaging with governments and policymakers to create a supportive regulatory environment for biodiversity conservation.
* Finance Mobilization: Attracting investment in regenerative agriculture and biodiversity-focused initiatives.
* Measurement & Reporting: Developing standardized metrics to track progress and demonstrate impact.
The coalition operates on the principle of collective action, recognizing that no single company can solve the biodiversity crisis alone.By sharing knowlege, best practices, and resources, OP2B aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across the entire food system.
Key Takeaways
* OP2B is a business-led coalition dedicated to protecting and restoring biodiversity within the food and agriculture sector.
* the initiative is facilitated by the WBCSD and includes major players like Unilever, Nestlé, Danone, L’Oréal, and McCain.
* OP2B focuses on regenerative agriculture, supply chain transformation, policy advocacy, and finance mobilization.
* Collaboration and systemic change are central to OP2B’s approach.
looking Ahead
As the biodiversity crisis intensifies, initiatives like OP2B are becoming increasingly vital. The coalition’s continued success will depend on its ability to attract new members,scale up its impact,and demonstrate tangible results. By fostering a collaborative and aspiring approach,OP2B has the potential to drive significant positive change for both people and the planet.
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