Chapter 02 · Nature, land & waterBiodiversity & Nature
LEAP approach
Definition
The LEAP approach is a nature-related assessment process structured around four phases: Locate the interface with nature, Evaluate dependencies and impacts, Assess risks and opportunities, and Prepare to respond and report.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “LEAP approach” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
The term appears in land-use planning, biodiversity assessment, water management, restoration, sourcing and conservation decisions, where land managers, scientists, companies, governments and affected communities use it to classify, assess or communicate the TNFD approach for locating interfaces with nature, evaluating dependencies and impacts, assessing risks and opportunities, and preparing a response.
Its correct use depends on the location, ecosystem or resource boundary, baseline, timeframe, indicators and affected rights-holders.
Why it matters
“LEAP approach” matters because it shapes how dependencies, pressures, ecological condition and responses are understood. If its boundary or evidence is unclear, different users may reach incompatible conclusions while appearing to use the same language.