Other initiatives & pilot programmes
To incorporate the value of nature into the workings of society and business, we need to work together across and between our sectors and communities. These are some of the other like-minded initiatives in the UK and beyond who have provided resources that help us to understand the opportunities, so that we may forge a regenerative system for nature.
If you are an initiative that is helping to shine some light on financial innovation for environmental restoration, please get in touch so that we may discuss listing your resource.
Note that we don’t endorse the work of other organisations.
UK-orientated initiatives and networks
Established by Defra and the Environment Agency, The Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF) works to support HM Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, as well as its revised Environmental Improvement Plan, Green Finance Strategy, Nature Markets Framework, and Agricultural Transition Plan. It aims to stimulate private investment and market-based mechanisms that improve and safeguard our domestic natural environment by helping projects get ready for investment. The £14 million fund provides grants of up to £100,000 to local authorities, businesses, environmental groups and other authorities to help them develop nature projects in England through which they can attract private investment.
Following the successes of Round 1 and Round 2, which now support over 77 nature projects collectively, the third Round is aimed specifically at farmers that want to explore nature markets and private finance for nature.
Find out more about the NEIRF fund and access case studies from previous NEIRF rounds in EKN’s Project Directory, including Wendling Beck Environment Project and Lapwing Estate.
GFI HIVE
This is a resource provided by the Green Finance Institute for finance professionals and other stakeholders working to increase private investment in nature restoration, nature-based solutions and nature-positive outcomes in and for the UK. It comprises of case studies, podcasts and links to other resources.
With support from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Ecosystems Knowledge Network is working in partnership with GFI to support shared learning that will accelerate nature-based finance in the UK.
Scottish Nature Finance Pioneers Group
The Scottish Nature Finance Pioneers group aims to build on the interest generated in conservation finance by the ‘Route Map to £1 Billion’ conservation finance project in Scotland. It is open to anyone to join, from anywhere in the world. The aim is to develop and establish new avenues for directing investment into nature projects in Scotland. The Pioneers group exchanges ideas via a communication and co-working platform known as Basecamp.
Financing UK Nature Recovery
This is a coalition led by the Broadway Initiative, the Green Finance Initiative and Finance Earth. The group works to create investible markets and projects for mainstream financial providers, mobilising capital towards nature-based solutions across the UK. Since its launch 2020, it has facilitated extensive dialogue on nature-based finance throughout the UK.
Community of Practice for the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund
The Environment Agency is facilitating a group to share learning from projects supported through its Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund. It is hosted on Microsoft Sharepoint (applications for access are necessary).
UK Sustainable Finance and Investment Association
A membership organisation for those in the finance sector who are committed to growing sustainable and responsible finance in the UK.
Internationally-orientated networks and initiatives
Coalition for Private Investment in Conservation
A global initiative to support private, return-seeking investment in conservation.
Conservation Finance Network
Led by Yale Centre for Business and the Environment, this initiative is aimed at expanding the use of innovative and effective funding and financing strategies for the environment. Note the helpful series of webinars offered by the Network.
NatureVest
NatureVest is the conservation investment unit of The Nature Conservancy. Its mission is to create and execute investable deals in a wide variety of sectors around the world that deliver conservation results and financial returns for investors. See our webinar in September 2021 that features some of the work of NatureVest around the world. TNC is a partner in the Wendling Beck Environment Project in the East of England, which is supported by the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund.
UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative
A partnership between the United Nations Environment and the global financial sector, operating for over 25 years. Its mission is to promote sustainable finance.