The IUCN RHINO approach provides companies with clear, science-based pathways to make credible, measurable contributions to biodiversity goals and join the “whole-of-society” effort that our planet needs. The approach uses the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric to screen, evaluate, set targets and measure contributions aimed at reducing the risk of species extinction at pace and scale.  

Over the last two years, six representatives from the forestry, mining, construction and chemicals sectors have been piloting IUCN RHINO and the use of STAR, allowing business to move one step closer to a Nature Positive future. Most advanced case studies from Suzano, the largest pulp manufacturer in the world, and Anglo American, a leading global mining company, are already available on the new IUCN RHINO website.  

More pilots are ongoing with four companies committing to advancing Nature Positive:  

Holcim, the Swiss multinational focused on sustainable construction, is implementing the IUCN RHINO approach in Costa Rica and Mexico.

"Holcim has a public commitment to make a measurable positive impact on biodiversity by 2030. As a first step towards this commitment, all Holcim quarries assessed their biodiversity level with the Biodiversity Indicators Reporting System (BIRS) in 2024. In rich biodiversity areas like Costa Rica and Mexico, IUCN RHINO and STAR give us important science-based insights we can use to refine our Biodiversity Management Plans and act for species survival with our quarries’ stakeholders,” said Renata Pollini, Holcim’s Head of Sustainable Construction and Nature.

Fortescue, one of the world’s largest iron ore producers from Western Australia, is testing the approach in the Pilbara, home to iconic species such as the Northern Quoll and the elusive Night Parrot.

“At Fortescue, we have an ambitious goal to achieve a Net Positive Impact on biodiversity. Using the IUCN RHINO approach and STAR is fully aligned with our commitment to integrate science-based targets into our operations and make a tangible difference for local communities, ecosystems and unique species,” said Fortescue's Manager of Nature and Science, Todd Edwards.

Solvay, the Belgian chemical multinational and pioneer of the soda ash process, has     piloted how manufacturing sites could apply the IUCN RHINO approach at one of its facilities in France.

“Solvay is honoured to bring its biodiversity strategy to the next level by piloting the IUCN RHINO approach and STAR metric. As a science-based company, we value expert insights that help us move from commitment to action. We’re proud to be one of the first chemical companies to take this step and we trust that more peers will join the journey to demonstrate together that the chemical industry can contribute to a regenerative economy," said Jean-Charles Djelalian, Solvay’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

Newmont, the world’s leading gold mining company, is exploring how IUCN RHINO could guide their development of a plan delivering Nature Positive outcomes in the area of its Boddington operation located in Western Australia, where species such as the chuditch, Carnaby’s black cockatoo, Baudin’s black cockatoo, and red-tailed black cockatoo are present.

“At Newmont, we welcome tools and metrics such as STAR that give us meaningful insight into how can meet or exceed our commitment to No Net loss and build and implement our Nature Positive Framework,” said Briana Gunn, Newmont Group Head, Environment.

The full case studies for Holcim, Fortescue, Solvay and Newmont will be shared on the IUCN RHINO website in the coming months. At the event, participants’ experiences confirmed that the IUCN RHINO approach offers a distinctive opportunity to align strategies with the Kunming Montreal-Global Biodiversity Framework, credibly contribute to global goals through local action, manage risks, and seize opportunities to support species survival in sensitive areas. IUCN RHINO also provides a practical and credible framework for engaging with experts and stakeholders at the landscape level—including governments, academia, civil society organisations, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)—to deliver positive outcomes for both nature and people.

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