Many companies find it difficult to target their nature-based investments on ecosystem health because they lack the knowledge, tools and incentives to do so.
A new white paper, “Investing in Nature for Sustainability: Corporate Insights from Science and Practice”, by Microsoft, developed with insights from CIFOR-ICRAF, is changing that.
Released ahead of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) Conference of the Parties (COP16), the paper outlines strategies for companies to invest effectively in ecosystem health, emphasizing that investments must go beyond carbon credits and water replenishment to support whole ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
It brings in key inputs from CIFOR-ICRAF, outlining eight crucial lessons to overcome these challenges, including building incentives for ecosystem health, leveraging AI for better assessment, and expanding blended finance options.
CIFOR-ICRAF has played a key role in developing tools and methodologies to enhance the impact of corporate nature investments. These include innovative data platforms for selecting appropriate tree species for restoration projects and building local capacity for ecosystem management.
Ultimately, according to its authors, ecosystem health is not just a conservation priority but rather a fundamental necessity for achieving long-term sustainability both for our planet and for companies.
To learn more, contact media@cifor-icraf.org
