Private companies collect large amounts of biodiversity data through environmental impact assessments, site monitoring, and sustainability initiatives. But most of this data never gets shared outside the organisation that collects it.
The Biodiversa+ guide on sharing biodiversity data explores why this is the case and how some companies are finding practical solutions.
Why biodiversity data from companies often stays private
Companies often keep their biodiversity data private because of concerns around data ownership, confidentiality, liability, and costs. They see it as sensitive information that could affect their competitive edge.
For instance, sharing this data might reveal details about their operations or strategies that they prefer to keep under wraps. There might also be concerns about how the data could be used, such as by regulators or activists, which might lead to restrictions or pressure. Sometimes, companies simply lack clear guidelines or resources on how to share biodiversity data properly, so they choose to hold onto it. Overall, the mix of protecting business interests, avoiding risks, and uncertainty about sharing leads many companies to keep their biodiversity data private.
Besides, in lots of organisations, biodiversity data falls right where legal, environmental, and business concerns meet, which makes deciding whether to share it pretty tricky.
How companies are finding pragmatic ways to share data
The guide shares examples of companies that have managed to share biodiversity data while still protecting their own interests. Sometimes, data is shared through trusted intermediaries instead of being passed along directly. In some cases, companies provide aggregated, standardised, or chosen datasets rather than raw monitoring data.
These examples show that data sharing isn’t just a yes-or-no decision. The guide offers various sharing methods that suit different situations and limitations. What really matters is having a clear sense of purpose. When companies see how their data can help with biodiversity monitoring, research, or policy, sharing it feels more worthwhile and easier to explain within the team.
The case studies also show how standards and infrastructures make things possible. Having clear data formats, metadata rules, and governance systems helps lower uncertainty and cuts down on transaction costs. When these kinds of structures are in place, companies tend to be more open to getting involved.
From open-by-default to responsible, context-specific sharing
Instead of promoting open data by default, the guide suggests sharing data carefully, depending on the situation. By using real examples, it breaks down the process and shows that private-sector biodiversity data can add public value when shared in a practical and cooperative way.
