OXFORD charity Earthwatch has produced 20,000 copies of an information pack designed to help businesses work profitably and simultaneously preserve the environment.

The guide, published as a result of a donation from Glaxo Wellcome, is based on a report from the UK Round Table on Sustainable Development, 'Integrating Biodiversity into Environmental Management Systems'.

It shows step by step how businesses can take part in biodiversity conservation, reduce risks and improve performance.

Chairman of the Round Table, Oxford Professor Sir Richard Southwood, said: "If biodiversity in this country is to be protected, business must be seen as part of the solution and not simply the problem.

"One of the most significant challenges facing the UK Round Table on Sustainable Development has been to find mechanisms through which business can be brought into the environmental debate.

"This report and the Earthwatch guide to Business and Biodiversity are party of that process."

Glaxo Wellcome chairman Sir Richard Sykes said: "Research has consistently shown that biodiversity helps business. It is the key to maintaining an ecological balance which helps the planet function properly, creating a stable and predictable environment in which business can operate successfully."

Environment Minister Michael Meacher said: "I strongly commend this guide."

The Business and Biodiversity guide is available free from Earthwatch. Telephone: 01865 311600.

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