Developing the Nature Tech Taxonomy Framework
The first-of-its-kind taxonomy proposed for the emergent 'Nature Tech' investment category, which scans hundreds of organizations and companies working to advance the nature-positive agenda though the application of novel technologies.
Report link: Nature Tech Collective (2024)
There are many groups working towards a nature-positive economy, but too often, stakeholders and solution providers are siloed and focusing on bespoke products that don't fit neatly into current investor taxonomies. This lack of coordination limits the potential for broader collective problem-solving across the sector.
A new investment category has emerged in response to this moment, referred to as 'Nature Tech'. As regulations and frameworks are rapidly evolving, and new solutions and subcategories of solutions are emerging, we need a shared frame of reference to define this emergent sector, and the solutions and stakeholders that comprise it. This report establishes the first-of-its kind taxonomy for investors, entrepreneurs, and NGOs working with technologies that enable, accelerate or scale the nature-positive transition.
By equipping stakeholders with the tools necessary for implementing effective nature-positive initiatives, Nature Tech can play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, preventing biodiversity loss, and nature-related risk management. Nature Tech serves multiple purposes in supporting the transition to a nature-positive future. The solutions that exist today could be categorized at a high level based on the following four categories:
- Deployment: Technologies which enable nature-based solutions (NBS) to be implemented at scale. This includes utilizing innovations like drone technology for reforestation or genetic modifications to enhance forest management.
- MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification): Technologies which help track progress, provide data for reporting, and verify effectiveness of nature-based interventions, including satellite monitoring, ground sensors, etc.
- Transparency: Technologies which support clarity and openness in processes to enhance trust and accountability in carbon transactions and registries, ensuring stakeholders can easily access information regarding carbon environmental impact.
- Connection: Technologies which help build links between local communities, information sources, governance bodies, markets, and financial institutions.
Contributors: Ali Swanson (CI), Amalia Helen (NTC), Amelie Boudon (ImpactLabs), Elisa Cifiello (Clarmondial AG), Eric Berlow (Vibrant Data Labs), Fred Werneck (Clarmondial AG), Gilad Goren (NTC), Karl Burkart (One Earth), Laima Barros (ImpactLabs), Michell Zappa (Envisioning), Owen Dehmler-Buckley (NTC), Paula Palermo (NTC), Eric Nowak (USI), Peter Gruber (USI), Rita Martins (ImpactLabs), Sophie Fillion (CI), Tanja Havemann (Clarmondial AG), Thibauld Berly (ImpactLabs), Trond Larsen (CI), Yuya Toyoshima (Oji Holdings)