Natural capital and nature markets

Biodiversity Net Gain and wider benefits/Environmental Net Gain assessments are increasingly being required for developments in the UK and around the world. Natural capital assessments can be spatial, qualitative, quantitative, or monetary, depending on client aims and data availability.

We support our clients with habitat and condition surveys, running Defra’s Statutory Biodiversity Metric for baseline and post-development scenarios, and quantifying the change in the provision of relevant ecosystem services (including the benefits of Nature-based Solutions). By making recommendations to clients, we are able to influence development design to the benefit of nature and society.

For companies, the commercial and reputational pressures, risks and opportunities associated with natural capital are growing. Investors and stakeholders are increasingly aware of the issues, and demanding that corporates manage and disclose risks and develop effective management strategies for climate and biodiversity. The Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), amongst other frameworks, is key to this emerging market.

Through undertaking biodiversity footprints, TNFD-compliant assessments, identification of ‘Potential Biodiversity Opportunities’ and Nature-based Solutions identification, we enable businesses to assess, report and most importantly act on their nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities, resulting in sustained investment in natural capital and improved business resilience.

Voluntary markets for nature unite those willing to finance nature together with those willing to supply it. In addition to benefiting nature, they can support access to global markets, demonstrate green credentials, access finance, diversify income and create jobs. Governments globally are developing new policies and regulatory measures to incentivize such investment.

We have proven approaches to producing clear and compelling business cases and roadmaps to support the development of ecosystem services markets. Our work includes undertaking research into the viability of such markets, developing blended finance plans, conducting financial modelling, and engaging with relevant investors and landowners.

The economic valuation/monetisation of natural capital assets and the ecosystem services they provide are key to bringing nature to the table in the economic appraisal of a project or intervention (such as Nature-based Solutions or developments) and supporting other business or government decision-making. It is also necessary for producing natural capital accounts, which can support businesses and governments with monitoring and enhancement of natural capital assets going forward.

By undertaking cost-benefit analyses, and following appropriate guidance, including the UK’s Enabling a Natural Capital Approach (ENCA) and the UN’s System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA), our team of experts supports clients with longer-term financial and wider decision-making for business and nature growth.

As our awareness of the importance of better protecting and managing natural capital grows, government and NGOs are looking to ensure they have the right frameworks, information and expertise in place and at hand. Our experts in policy, economics and legislation work with all levels of government to inform and review nature-related legislation, policy and programmes. 

We work across the public and private sectors to help organisations understand and develop natural capital strategies and roadmaps or plans. We have technical experts who prepare compelling business cases and help organisations identify and articulate the value of investing in natural capital projects. Our monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) experts assist organisations to plan and evaluate their nature-related programmes.

We specialise in providing expert biodiversity and climate finance advice tailored to your sustainability goals. Our team can guide you in designing impactful biodiversity projects while leveraging blended finance strategies to optimise your resources and minimise risks. We engage local communities to ensure the effective development of your biodiversity action plans. Additionally, we advocate for supportive policies and align your strategies with government regulations. Let’s work together to harness climate finance for a sustainable future that benefits your organisation and the environment.