What do you think of nature-based solutions? If you’re unsure, this academic paper could be for you. Published in Nature Climate Change in March 2024, it assesses the scientific basis of 43 nature-based solutions using an extensive literature review and expert elicitation. It revealed that the most used pathways, such as tropical forest conservation, have a solid scientific basis for mitigation.
The Nature Conservancy investigated the appropriateness of the voluntary carbon market to finance HFLD conservation in this report released in August 2024. It interviewed experts to reveal some compatibility concerns, with many participants suggesting that issues in REDD+ should be resolved before turning to HFLD. It also spoke of risks within the VCM that could prevent it from being an appropriate mechanism for HFLD.
Published by Meta and Carbon Direct, this report discusses the opportunities for ecological restoration in the VCM. Released in May 2024, it covers barriers for ecological restoration projects in the VCM and provides a roadmap to guide buyers to best support ecological restoration. In 2022, carbon credits from nature-based projects represented about 17% of issuances from the four largest registries. But how to increase this percentage further?
This nature tech report from GSMA can be used by corporates looking to monitor and assess impact. Published in April 2024, it outlines current technologies being deployed including satellites, GIS, UAVs, bioacoustics, mobile apps, AI, blockchain, eDNA and the Internet of Things. It explores how mobile and digital technologies are addressing biodiversity loss in LMICs and the potential for biodiversity business models.
This makes clear the urgency of investing in tropical forests. Published in May 2023, The World Resources Institute explains how the voluntary carbon market can channel finance for forest conservation and restoration. It provides context to corporates embarking on their decarbonisation journey and shares four useful steps that they can take to help end tropical deforestation.
How can REDD+ be financed? Released in April 2023, this paper from IETA explains the differences between a carbon credit used in a market-based system such as Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and the VCM versus REDD+ results created through Article 5 of the Paris Agreement, which was designed for results-based payments.
This handbook from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a guide to unlocking the potential of natural climate solutions. Published in April 2023, it explains natural climate solutions in the context of carbon markets, considering how these mitigation solutions can be scaled. It also addresses the key challenges facing the market at that time.
This report from Nature4Climate shares a company dictionary of the different actors operating in the nature tech space. Published in November 2022, this is a valuable resource for project developers looking for MRV and for business leaders starting their due diligence processes. Elsewhere in the report, you can find information on the potential of nature tech to solve scaling challenges for NBS and predictions for the future of the market.
Measuring and monitoring are an essential part of the voluntary carbon market. This report from Mana Impact, EviroStrat and UBS Optimus Foundation, offers an overview of current global frameworks and standards being used to measure, report and verify (MRV) nature-based solution projects. Published in November 2022, its case studies provide examples of best practices for other project developers to emulate and show corporate buyers what to look out for when selecting carbon projects.
How can nature-based solutions support corporate sustainability action? The report from WBCSD is a resource for companies looking to implement nature-positive and net-zero strategies to support the world’s global climate goals. Published in November 2022, it explains how companies can help leverage NBS to deliver for climate, nature and equity.