Farming News - Commencement of a major review of the supply of projects seeking income through nature markets in the UK

Commencement of a major review of the supply of projects seeking income through nature markets in the UK

Private sector interest in the environmental outcomes arising restoration of land and water is growing. This includes participation in voluntary markets for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere and flood risk reduction. The compliance market for the provision of offsite biodiversity gain associated with built development is expanding in England, with a parallel scheme being proposed for Scotland. Hundreds of land and coastal managers are now taking steps to earn income through these markets, but they face many challenges. For this reason, there is a pressing need for all parts of nature markets to gain insight into how this 'project pipeline' is developing and what sales are happening.

 

In response, the Ecosystems Knowledge Network (EKN) has launched its second UK Nature Finance Review. Building on the 2023 Nature Finance Review, this will provide an updated picture of the state of nature finance projects in the UK, tracking their readiness to trade and the enterprise support they are accessing.

Understanding the array of UK projects gearing-up to participate in nature markets and associated investment is more critical than ever because these projects are crucial to achieving international biodiversity targets.

A major part of the Nature Finance Review is an online survey to identify projects that are actively pursuing, or participating in, the sale of environmental outcomes such as carbon, biodiversity enhancement and nutrient loss. The survey is now open until 31st March. It asks questions about project activities and plans, but does not require the sharing of commercially-sensitive information. This time, EKN expects a substantial increase in the 200 projects identified in the inaugural review.

The entries will play a key part in the Nature Finance UK Review 2025, which will assess information from multiple sources about the UK nature finance project pipeline. The report is set for release summer 2025.

EKN is inviting projects and their representatives to participate in the survey here: ecosystemsknowledge.typeform.com/to/RRNcpB09 

Any sensitive commercial information can be withheld.

For more information, visit:  https://ecosystemsknowledge.net/hubs/nature-finance-learning-hub/

Ecosystems Knowledge Network is a knowledge sharing network dedicated to promoting wellbeing through a healthy natural environment. It supports over 3000 members by providing resources, events, and collaboration opportunities to help them be more effective in their stewardship of land, water and nature. EKN's mission is to harness the value of nature for society's benefit. Join us in our commitment to a sustainable future. For more information, visit ecosystemsknowledge.net