We gathered at the National Assembly to present the draft bill aimed at ensuring nature is represented within companies, sponsored by MP Charles Fournier. This is a groundbreaking initiative that could well mark a new phase in the transformation of corporate governance.
Developed in collaboration with several civil society organisations — including Vivøices, Notre Affaire à Tous, Corporate Regeneration International, B Lab France, Le Mouvess and the Earth Law Center — this draft bill is based on a fundamental idea: to bring the interests of living beings into the forums where companies’ strategic decisions are made.
The richness of the discussions during this event confirmed the growing interest in these issues. Researchers, trade union representatives, business leaders and members of civil society shared their perspectives on what such a change in the law might bring about.
The corporate bill proposal
Three key measures were put forward:
Strengthening social dialogue by fully integrating environmental issues, in particular through the creation of environmental committees within works councils and by enhancing the skills of employee representatives.
Introducing ‘nature representatives’ onto boards of directors, in the form of independent bodies capable of bringing environmental expertise to the heart of strategic decision-making.
Restoring a role for general meetings of shareholders in environmental strategy, in order to align governance with ecological responsibility.
These proposals reflect a profound shift: moving from a company focused exclusively on human and financial interests to an organisation that incorporates planetary boundaries as a structuring framework for decision-making.
A collective dynamic is on its way
The strong turnout for this event — a packed hall, lively discussions, and a diverse range of speakers — demonstrates a keen interest in the subject. The presence of voices from the world of work, trade unionism and youth groups particularly enriched the discussions, highlighting the systemic nature of this transformation.
The presentation was accompanied by two round-table discussions. The first addressed the content of the draft bill presented by Frantz Gault (Vivoices), Marine Yzquierdo (Notre Affaire À Tous), Paul Montjotin (Mouvess) and Sarah Cerange (B Lab France).
This was followed by an overview of best practices with Thomas Breuzard (Norsys), Anne Le Corre (Printemps écologique), Michael Pinault (F3C-CFDT Green Sentinels network), Geneviève Ferone Creuzet (Prophil), and Louis Deusy (Pour un réveil écologique).
The next steps
Whilst this draft bill is a first in Europe, its adoption remains a political and cultural challenge. It calls for a fundamental rethinking of the balance of power within companies, and for recognition that economic performance can no longer be separated from the integrity of living systems.
As Charles Fournier pointed out, as long as nature is not explicitly represented in decision-making bodies, it will continue to lose out to short-term economic considerations.
The challenge is now clear: to build on this momentum by creating the conditions for businesses, investors and public authorities to take ownership of these measures.
The momentum is now in full swing, aiming to go beyond France.
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More information on the corporate bill proposal (in French) : https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/17/dossiers/representer_nature_entreprise_17e
