Exploring civil-society and private-sector engagement in biodiversity conservation: assessing the potential of non-governmental instruments

Ongoing biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystem functions call for transformative approaches that extend beyond existing governmental policies. Despite targeted interventions such as the EU Common Agricultural Policy, critiques persist regarding insufficient effectiveness and limited political ambition. Meanwhile, public interest in biodiversity conservation continues to increase, signalling opportunities for broader societal engagement. Against this backdrop, non-governmental actors are gaining attention as potential contributors to conservation efforts; however, evidence on their role remains fragmented and often focused on isolated mechanisms, such as finance-led instruments or specific market-based approaches. A comprehensive understanding of the broader range of non-governmental instruments and their potential is still lacking. “Non-governmental instruments” are understood as interventions initiated, executed, or financed by civil-society or private-sector actors, involving a resource flow or exchange that supports biodiversity outcomes.

This study therefore addresses two research questions: (1) What is the ecological, economic, and social potential of non-governmental instruments for biodiversity conservation in Germany? (2) How is this potential assessed by local stakeholders and reflected in the scientific and grey literature?

We developed a conceptual framework that categorises eight types of non-governmental instruments by resource flow (financial, material, immaterial) and mechanism of action: i) Market-based mechanisms, ii) Green finance, iii) Voluntary transfers, iv) Provision of material, v) Provision of information material, vi) Knowledge transfer / publicity, vii) Civil society-led actions, viii) Voluntary corporate commitment.

The study applies a mixed-method design, combining i) a literature-based assessment of expected effects and impacts, and enabling conditions, and ii) stakeholder workshops in three German regions, involving participants from agriculture, nature conservation, local business, and public administration. A structured questionnaire provides quantitative insights into perceived potential across ecological, economic, and social dimensions, while group discussions yield complementary qualitative perspectives on feasibility and contextual factors. To support evaluation, each instrument type is represented by an ideal-typical practical example.

Results (quantitative and qualitative), available by the time of the forum, will provide a first integrated overview of the potential of non-governmental biodiversity instruments in Germany. The findings aim to support more effective alignment of civil-society and private-sector contributions with public strategies, strengthening collaborative biodiversity governance.