Updated and expanded - Biodiversity and Natural Capital Buzzword Guide 2.0

5 December 2025

Navigating the landscape of sustainability requires a practical understanding of evolving terminology, especially concerning Biodiversity and Natural Capital (BaNC). ISEP members are constantly encountering these terms in policy and practice. This is why ISEP has published an updated, expanded version of its 2022 Biodiversity and Natural Capital Buzzword Guide.

Because some terms have standardized definitions while others are newly emerging, developing a shared understanding of what these terms mean and how they can be used is key to transitioning the world to sustainability.

While many terms show similarities and overlaps, there are often subtle differences, making the clarification of relationships and distinctions useful.

Why We Needed Version 2.0

The original core terms of the Buzzword Guide remain relevant, and the need for a shared understanding of key BaNC terminology is more important than ever. An update to Version 2.0 was needed now for several critical reasons:

1. Evolving Definitions: Since the last review in 2022, some of the original definitions have been changed and refined. The new Guide ensures that our shared definitions evolve alongside the latest knowledge, standards, and policy developments.

2. Increased Terminology: There seem to be more BaNC buzzwords around than ever before. To support understanding of a wider range of relevant concepts, we’ve included an additional page of “associated terms” in the Guide.

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3. Controversial Language: Some terms remain controversial, with formal definitions still yet to be agreed upon. It is important to flag these areas so that professionals know which terms are still evolving and can take caution against imprecise usage.

An Essential Resource

The Buzzword Guide 2.0 is not intended to be a finite set of definitions for every term, but rather a tool to help IEMA members improve their understanding of the language used in BaNC. It is designed to complement the ISEP’s Jargon Buster on the Green Careers Hub.

Furthermore, the guide signposts members to the most authoritative definitions available to the industry and directs them on where they can go to deepen their knowledge further.

It is intended that this guide will continue to evolve. Understanding these developing concepts is crucial, much like a cartographer needs an updated map when new territories are discovered or old boundaries are redrawn, ensuring everyone is navigating the complex BaNC landscape with the same, accurate information.

FREE for ISEP members

Non-members can purchase the guide from the ISEP shop


Published by:
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Lesley Wilson AISEP

Policy and Engagement Lead

Lesley is Policy and Engagement Lead at ISEP with a focus on the rapidly developing area of biodiversity and natural capital. On behalf of ISEP, Lesley also supports and is a member of the Steering Group of the UK Business and Biodiversity Forum. Lesley has worked in environmental sustainability for 15 years and previously delivered programmes and solutions in sustainability for business at the British Standards Institution, including ground breaking standards in biodiversity net gain and natural capital. Lesley has a qualifications in business management (MBA) and climate change management, and mentors environmental students at the University of Westminster.