投资自然资本：支持自然急需融资的创新（英）

Investing in Natural Capital: Innovations Supporting Much-Needed Financing for Nature

Foreword:

• Maintaining the balance of nature and respecting planetary boundaries is crucial for sustaining Earth's vital systems.
• Natural capital includes land, soil, air, water, and all living organisms, providing essential ecosystem services like clean water, fresh air, and fertile soil.
• The World Economic Forum estimates that paying for the use of natural capital and protecting nature and biodiversity could generate $10 trillion annually and create 400 million jobs.

Key Challenges:

• Natural capital is often not valued in the market, leading to its frequent depletion and degradation.
• Examples include the climate regulation provided by forests and the pollination services provided by bees.

Market Innovations:

• Technological Advances:

  • Remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, bioacoustics, and blockchain technologies are revolutionizing environmental monitoring and management.
  • Satellite imagery and drones provide real-time data on deforestation, illegal mining, and water quality.
  • AI algorithms analyze complex ecological data to predict environmental changes and optimize conservation strategies.
  • Blockchain enhances transparency and traceability in supply chains, ensuring sustainable sourcing.

• Financing Instruments:

  • Carbon and bio-credits, requirements in permitting processes, and new investment models are emerging to price natural capital services.

• Business Models:

  • New business models are being developed to incentivize businesses to support nature restoration and protection.

Case Studies:

1. Nature Data Aggregation: Utilizing advanced data collection and analysis to better understand and manage natural resources.
2. Marine Restoration Assets: Innovative projects focused on restoring marine ecosystems.
3. Grassroots Accelerators for Nature Enterprises: Programs that support small-scale nature-focused businesses.
4. Venture Building for Nature: Initiatives that foster the development of startups focused on natural capital.
5. Investment-Readiness Support Plus Capital: Providing support to nature-focused businesses to access capital.
6. Nature Asset Companies (NACs): Companies dedicated to managing and restoring natural assets.
7. Replenishing the Forest Microbiome: Projects aimed at restoring the microbial communities in forests.
8. Nature Credits for Smallholders: Programs that reward small farmers for adopting sustainable practices.
9. Scaling Tech-Enabled Agroforestry: Efforts to scale up sustainable agricultural practices that integrate forestry.

Conclusion:

• Investing in natural capital is essential, attractive, and feasible.
• The loss of natural capital is costing trillions of dollars annually, with significant impacts on human health, food security, and social stability.
• The World Economic Forum aims to accelerate investments in nature through collaboration with various stakeholders, focusing on mainstreaming natural capital in decision-making, supporting the finance sector's transition to nature positivity, and championing innovative approaches to finance nature.

Contributors:

• The report was written in collaboration between the Nature Positive pillar of the Forum’s Centre for Nature and Climate and UpLink, the Forum’s open innovation platform.

Endnotes:

• The World Economic Forum is committed to protecting, restoring, and regenerating global commons to ensure a resilient society and economy.
• The Centre for Nature and Climate coordinates significant multistakeholder engagement to unlock greater finance for nature, focusing on three key areas: mainstreaming natural capital in decision-making, supporting the finance sector's transition to becoming nature-positive, and championing innovative approaches to finance nature.