Antoinette Sprenger, Senior Expert Environmental Justice at IUCN NL: ‘Let’s avoid repeating the mistakes made with fossil fuels’

Responsible mining: putting people and nature first

Sprenger is committed to actively sharing IUCN NL’s knowledge on nature and human rights with companies in the supply chain. “Many of the minerals required for solar and wind energy are extracted from areas with rich biodiversity and vulnerable communities. The energy transition is urgent, but we must shape it in a responsible way.”

IUCN NL’s reason for joining the Agreement is clear. “We want to help companies make better choices—to extract resources as sustainably as possible, with minimal harm to people and nature.” Sprenger notes that environmental concerns often take a back seat to human rights topics: “Nature tends to rank second after people, while biodiversity is a prerequisite for life itself.” She refers to the consequences of fossil fuel extraction as a warning: “Leaking pipelines, polluted water, destroyed ecosystems—when economic gain takes precedence. We must not let that happen again.”

Knowledge sessions as a catalyst for change

A key role of IUCN NL in the Agreement is organising knowledge sessions. Together with other partners, IUCN NL has hosted sessions on the impact of offshore wind farms and ways to boost biodiversity in solar parks. “Many solar parks are built on depleted agricultural land. With good management, biodiversity can be restored. But it must be done properly: removing cuttings, planting diverse vegetation, allowing enough light. Not covering every inch with panels.” During the session on offshore wind, Van Oord shared how they use techniques such as bubble curtains and artificial reef structures to reduce the impact on marine life. “That gives me hope,” Sprenger says. “It shows that there are indeed solutions.”

IUCN NL as a connector

With its global network, IUCN NL is ideally positioned to connect companies to local experts. “We’re a network organisation. For example, in Sulawesi, where nickel is mined, we work with local partners. They can help companies better understand and improve the local situation. Also, we are project-driven”, Sprenger continues, “For in-depth advice, companies would need to hire us. But within the Agreement, we can already do a lot: share knowledge, work on collective projects with companies, provide case studies and facilitate connections.” She adds, “We also learn a great deal from companies—how they handle complex supply chain issues helps us refine our support.”

From awareness to action

Sprenger sees the Agreement as a powerful tool to raise awareness and foster collaboration. “As an NGO, you get in touch with companies you might not otherwise meet. And you can plant a seed.” For example, solar company Sunrock reached out following a knowledge session to discuss their double materiality assessment—an analysis of how sustainability affects their business and vice versa, as required under European laws such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). “It turned into a very productive conversation,” says Sprenger.

Ways to exert influence

Still, challenges remain. “Not every company knows what to do with biodiversity. It often sits far down their supply chain, or they feel powerless. Smaller companies often lack the resources to fully investigate the issues, but” she adds, “you can still exert influence—through your procurement terms, for example.” IUCN NL advises companies to refer to standards like the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA). “We consider IRMA the best current standard because it robustly incorporates both biodiversity and the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples. Even if you don’t have a direct link to a mine, you can steer through your purchasing power.”

Reach out, ask for help

What does Sprenger hope to see from companies in the coming year? “Use the knowledge and networks available. Those knowledge sessions are also an invitation,” she says. “Reach out to us, ask for help or advice, let us know what you’re facing. Let’s make collaboration between NGOs and companies more concrete. Not just sharing knowledge but taking action together.” She concludes: “We all benefit from a successful—and just—energy transition.”