Targets & Actions
How to set targets and track mitigation actions in Darwin
Targets & Actions
Darwin helps you move from assessment to action with tools for setting biodiversity targets and tracking mitigation efforts aligned with global frameworks like SBTN, TNFD, and the SDGs.
Action Catalog
The Action Catalog is a library of evidence-based mitigation actions organized by:
- Biodiversity dimension: What aspect of biodiversity is addressed
- Pressure type: Which IPBES pressure is mitigated
- Business perimeter: Where in your value chain the action applies
Access the Catalog
Navigate to Act > Targets & Actions > Action Catalog.
Filter Actions
Use filters to find relevant actions:
| Filter | Options |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity Dimension | Ecological Integrity, Ecosystem Services, Species |
| Pressure | Climate Change, Pollution, Overexploitation, Ecosystem Use |
| Perimeter | Direct Operations, Upstream, Downstream |
| Cost | Low, Medium, High |
Action Details
Each action card shows:
- Title: Brief description
- Mitigation Level: Avoid, Reduce, Regenerate, Restore, Transform
- Cost: Estimated financial impact
- Nature-Based: Whether it's a nature-based solution
- Source: Reference standard or framework
Mitigation Hierarchy
Darwin follows the mitigation hierarchy from SBTN:
| Level | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid | Prevent impacts entirely | Don't source from high-risk areas |
| Reduce | Minimize unavoidable impacts | Improve efficiency, reduce waste |
| Regenerate | Restore within the value chain | Support supplier restoration projects |
| Restore | Contribute to ecosystem recovery | Fund conservation programs |
| Transform | System-level change | Industry collaboration, policy advocacy |
Start with Avoid and Reduce actions before moving to Regenerate, Restore, and Transform. This follows the SBTN hierarchy.
Setting Targets
Create a Target
Navigate to Targets
Go to Act > Targets & Actions > My Targets.
Click "New Target"
Click Add Target to create a new target.
Define the Target
Enter:
- Name: Clear description of the goal
- Metric: What you're measuring (e.g., "% reduction in water use")
- Baseline: Current value
- Target Value: Goal to achieve
- Timeline: Target date
Link to Actions
Connect the target to specific actions from the catalog that will help achieve it.
Save Target
Click Save to add the target to your tracking dashboard.
Target Types
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute | Fixed reduction | "Reduce GHG by 1000 t-CO2-Eq" |
| Intensity | Per-unit reduction | "Reduce water use per kg product by 20%" |
| Commitment | Binary goal | "100% RSPO-certified palm oil by 2025" |
Action Monitoring
Track progress on your mitigation actions:
Tracking Indicators
For each action, define indicators:
- Leading indicators: Activities completed (e.g., "% suppliers audited")
- Lagging indicators: Impact achieved (e.g., "Deforestation-free hectares")
Progress Dashboard
The monitoring dashboard shows:
- Overall progress toward targets
- Status of individual actions
- Timeline tracking
- Alerts for off-track items
Update Progress
- Open the action or target
- Click Update Progress
- Enter current values
- Add notes on achievements or blockers
- Save updates
Alignment with Frameworks
Darwin actions align with major sustainability frameworks:
SBTN (Science Based Targets for Nature)
- AR3T framework (Avoid, Reduce, Regenerate, Restore, Transform)
- Land, freshwater, and ocean targets
- Science-based target setting methodology
TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures)
- LEAP approach (Locate, Evaluate, Assess, Prepare)
- Nature-related risk management
- Disclosure recommendations
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
- Linkages to relevant SDGs
- Contribution tracking
- Impact reporting
Use the framework filters in the Action Catalog to find actions that support your reporting requirements.
Climate-Nature Linkages
Actions are tagged with climate interaction:
| Tag | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Synergy | Benefits both climate and nature |
| Trade-off | Nature benefit may increase emissions |
| Neutral | No significant climate interaction |
Focus on Synergy actions to maximize co-benefits.
Reporting
Generate reports on your targets and actions:
- Navigate to Act > Report
- Select report type:
- Progress report
- TNFD disclosure
- Annual summary
- Choose format (PDF, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Export
Regular progress reports help maintain stakeholder engagement and demonstrate commitment to biodiversity goals.
Best Practices
- Start with Assessment: Understand your impacts before setting targets
- Use the Hierarchy: Prioritize Avoid and Reduce first
- Be Specific: Define clear, measurable targets
- Track Regularly: Update progress monthly or quarterly
- Communicate: Share progress with stakeholders
- Iterate: Adjust targets based on learnings
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