The Convention on Biological Diversity: Engaging the Private Sector

David E. Bell; Mary L.  Shelman

Case | HBS Case Collection | December 2006 (Revised December 2007)

The Convention on Biological Diversity: Engaging the Private Sector

by David E. Bell and Mary L. Shelman

Abstract

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was a U.N. treaty that by 2006 had been signed by virtually every country in the world except for the United States. The treaty established three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Although the treaty had been in effect for almost 15 years, progress was slow. CBD Executive Secretary Ahmed Djoghlaf needed to increase the participation of the private sector in order to meet the treaty's "2010 Target," which called for a significant reduction in the loss of biodiversity at all levels (global, regional, and national). Provides background on the relationship between biodiversity and agriculture.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Private Sector; Business and Community Relations; Business and Government Relations; Genetics; Environmental Sustainability;

Format: Print

39 pages

Educators Purchase

Citation:

Bell, David E., and Mary L. Shelman. "The Convention on Biological Diversity: Engaging the Private Sector." Harvard Business School Case 507-020, December 2006. (Revised December 2007.)

In the fall of 2019, Sprint’s Chief Digital Officer Rob Roy reflected on the telecom’s efforts to improve the effectiveness of its digital marketing campaigns. Digital media buying had long been handled by an outside agency, but in 2017, Sprint brought those functions in-house to enhance the company’s ability to respond to the market in real-time. Early results suggested the plan was working, but Sprint continued to face fierce competition from its rivals. Sprint’s subscriber losses mounted as it attempted to merge with T-Mobile. Could digital marketing stem the losses and win consumers’ hearts?

Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | May 2020

Danone: Changing the Food System

David E. Bell, Federica Gabrieli, Daniela Beyersdorfer, Amy Klopfenstein and Aldo Sesia

Teaching Note for HBS No. 520-053.
This is a teaching note for the case “Danone: Changing the Food System?” The case examines the efforts of one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies to resolve the social, environmental, and economic issues within its supply chain. Chairman and CEO Emmanuel Faber and One Planet and Water Cycle Vice President Eric Soubeiran believe that the global food system is broken, and needs radical transformation to save the planet. The case provides an overview of Danone’s efforts to change the food system, including Cost Performance Model (CPM) contracts with dairy farmers and encouraging suppliers to prioritize regenerative agriculture and the ethical treatment of animals. However, it remains unclear whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainably-produced products. At the conclusion of the case, Faber and Soubeiran wonder what Danone should do next to repair the food system. The note contains suggested assignment questions, a sample board plan, and a suggested discussion plan.

Keywords: Food; Goods and Commodities; Agribusiness; Animal-Based Agribusiness; Plant-Based Agribusiness; Strategy; Corporate Strategy; Environmental Management; Environmental Sustainability; Climate Change; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Food and Beverage Industry; Europe; France; Paris;

Citation:

Bell, David E., Federica Gabrieli, Daniela Beyersdorfer, Amy Klopfenstein, and Aldo Sesia. "Danone: Changing the Food System." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 520-066, May 2020. View Details

Cite View Details Purchase

Faculty & Research

The Convention on Biological Diversity: Engaging the Private Sector

Abstract

Citation:

About the Author

More from the Author