Sensitive locations, priority locations and location data

TNFD is a place-based framework, so most of its hard calls are calls about where. This subject sets the assessment span, applies the five sensitive-location criteria, decides which locations become priority locations and keeps a geospatial register a reviewer can follow.

Published passport

Current as at 10 August 2026

Reviewed by Dr Ross KurinkoLinkedIn Strategic ESG Advisor · IFRS S1 & S2 / GRI / ESRS expert GRI Certified Global Trainer · PhD, University of Cambridge · ESG-AI expert 15+ years on FTSE 100 & Fortune Global 500 disclosures Canary Wharf, London LRA educational guidance · Not issued or endorsed by TNFD

Edition written against

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TNFD Recommendations v1.0 are voluntary recommendations. LEAP and other TNFD publications provide implementation guidance. Dynamic datasets …

Published

10 Aug 2026

Knowledge Hub guide

Last reviewed

10 Aug 2026

Level 2

Articles in this pillar

Geospatial Data for TNFD: Coordinates, Maps, Data Quality and Confidentiality

How to build a traceable location-data system from site and supplier records to spatial joins, controlled maps and public disclosure

Decision guide · 10 min TNFD Locate Phase: Mapping Business Activities, Value Chains and Sensitive Locations

A practical guide to span, screening, geolocation, commodities, unknown origins and defensible map/register outputs

Decision guide · 11 min TNFD Priority Locations Explained: Selection Criteria, Granularity and Disclosure

How material and sensitive locations interact, how to choose the right geography and how to disclose without obscuring material information

Decision guide · 10 min TNFD Sensitive Locations: Protected Areas, Ecosystem Integrity, Water Risk and Services

How to apply five non-exclusive criteria, choose the right ecological scale and retain an evidence trail without inventing a universal buffer rule

Decision guide · 9 min

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