On October 13, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), and the Nature Positive Initiative (NPI) released coordinated updates providing organizations with a unified, coherent framework. The aim is to align definitions, terminology, and common assessment metrics, from nature assessment through target-setting and reporting. These updates include LEAP v2.0, the first upgrade to the TNFD’s assessment approach since September 2023, and SBTN’s Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0.
In simple terms, the TNFD explains how to identify and disclose nature-related dependencies, risks, and impacts; the SBTN explains how to set science-based targets; and the NPI explains how to measure the state of nature. The announcements came shortly before the opening of CBD COP17 in Yerevan (October 19–30) and support governments implementing Target 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This target calls on large companies and financial institutions to assess, monitor, and disclose their nature-related risks, dependencies, and impacts.
LEAP at a Glance
LEAP is a four-step approach: Locate (identify where your business interfaces with nature), Evaluate (assess dependencies and impacts), Assess (evaluate risks and opportunities), and Prepare (prepare and report). The new additions in version 2.0 are primarily concentrated in the Evaluate and Assess steps, with further enhancements throughout the approach.
What’s New in LEAP v2.0
What changes in practice? The update introduces nine changes:
- Measuring the state of nature across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, using the NPI’s common metrics to identify where your business depends on nature and where it affects it.
- Invasive alien species (species introduced into a new area that harm the local ecosystem): their measurement is now incorporated into the TNFD framework.
- Nature-related risks: More detailed guidance on how to assess them.
- Nature-related opportunities: Additional guidance on identifying and evaluating them.
- Environmental crime: Now taken into account in risk assessments.
- Integrating nature into transition planning: Assessments are linked to the company’s future strategic planning.
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration at landscape and seascape levels: Addressing issues that extend beyond an individual location.
- Financial institution portfolios: Additional guidance for banks and investors.
- Interoperability with the SBTN: Assessment results can be used to establish science-based targets.
A Common Measurement Foundation
To avoid organizations measuring different aspects of nature using inconsistent approaches, the NPI reviewed more than 600 existing metrics for the state of nature and consolidated them into four core metrics applicable at site and landscape levels: ecosystem extent, ecosystem condition, species extinction risk, and species populations.
More than 500 experts contributed to the framework, while 29 companies piloted it across six sectors. The SBTN 2.0 methodologies introduce flexible entry points, allowing organizations to begin gradually through focused scoping, supplier engagement targets, and phased validation, while maintaining independent validation and a location-based approach.
LEAP v2.0 is one of the TNFD’s final major technical projects. The TNFD is completing its technical work as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) begins developing standards for nature-related disclosures and has stated that it will draw on LEAP. The TNFD will also contribute to an ISO standard based on LEAP 2.0, while the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is moving toward incorporating the NPI metrics.
- Already using LEAP? Compare your existing assessments with version 2.0, starting with the measurement of the state of nature.
- Haven’t started yet? Use version 2.0 and the NPI’s four metrics as your foundation from day one.
- Looking to set targets? SBTN 2.0 allows you to get started gradually and leverage data from your LEAP assessment, avoiding the need to collect the same information twice.
Sources
TNFD: Guidance on the LEAP Approach, v2.0 (October 2026)
Nature Positive Initiative: TNFD, SBTN and NPI Release Aligned Guidance (October 13, 2026)
SBTN: Science-Based Targets for Nature 2.0