Sustainable consumption for biodiversity and ecosystem services

Prevailing consumption patterns are coupled to a rapid  destruction of natural and near-natural ecosystems and  the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Currently, a comprehensive overview of existing policy recommendations and implementation measures to counteract  the impacts of consumption on nature is not available. Likewise, an overview of effective formats (e.g. fact-based information, storytelling, using of social media, etc.) for the communication of the link between consumption and biodiversity are missing. Yet, communication between producers, consumers and decision-makers seems to be crucial in this regard. This paper aims at filling this gap. It summarises the state of knowledge on the impacts of current consumption patterns on biodiversity and ecosystem services and gives an overview of recommendations for policy action and proposed measures. Good and best practice examples of communication on sustainable consumption including aspects of biodiversity and ecosystem services are given. To foster a change towards nature-friendly consumption, cooperation of key actors will be essential. Hence, this document also includes an overview of international networks, cooperations and initiatives of relevant stakeholders. It is based on a status quo analysis of the current state of findings, communication and cooperation related to consumption and its impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.