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The State of Nature Metrics: A Key Step Toward a Nature-Positive Future

Biodiversity loss and environmental degradation pose significant threats to global economic stability, human well-being, and climate resilience. The urgency to address these challenges has led to the establishment of the Nature Positive Global Goal, which aims to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. However, measuring progress towards this goal remains a major hurdle due to the lack of standardized metrics. The Need for Standardized Nature Metrics Currently, businesses, governments, and environmental organizations rely on a multitude of metrics to assess the state of nature. The absence of a consistent, unified approach makes it difficult to track progress and ensure accountability. To address this gap, the Nature Positive Initiative (NPI) has been working to create a standardized framework for measuring nature-positive outcomes. Introducing the State of Nature (SON) Metrics The newly developed State of Nature (SON) metrics are designed to provide clarity and consistency in evaluating conservation and restoration efforts. These metrics aim to: The development of these standardized metrics is critical for ensuring that organizations worldwide can effectively measure their contributions to a more sustainable future. Key Components of the State of Nature Metrics The draft State of Nature Metrics, set for piloting in 2025, primarily focus on terrestrial ecosystems. They are structured around three core indicators: These indicators provide a structured, science-based approach to measuring nature’s health, helping organizations make data-driven decisions that support biodiversity restoration. Piloting and Future Development The piloting phase in 2025 will assess the effectiveness of the SON metrics across different environmental and social contexts. The goal is to refine the framework and integrate it into globally recognized sustainability standards such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). While the terrestrial metrics are ready for initial testing, further development is needed for freshwater and marine ecosystems, as well as for the integration of traditional knowledge and local ecological insights. Key challenges such as data accessibility, affordability, and cross-industry applicability will be addressed during this phase. Engaging Stakeholders for a Nature-Positive Future The Nature Positive Initiative has already received extensive feedback from over 700 stakeholders across 15 consultation events, ensuring the framework reflects diverse perspectives. As the piloting phase unfolds, businesses, financial institutions, and policymakers must actively participate in refining these tools to ensure they are scalable, practical, and effective. The introduction of the State of Nature Metrics marks a significant milestone in the global effort to reverse biodiversity loss. By fostering consensus, accountability, and measurable progress, these metrics will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable, nature-positive world. Organizations worldwide are encouraged to engage in the piloting process and contribute to the collective mission of safeguarding our planet’s ecosystems for future generations. For further insights, visit: This article was written by Marc Tristant from the Green Initiative Team. Related Articles

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Machu Picchu Achieves Significant Reduction in Carbon Emissions Since 2021 Certification

From Heritage to Habitats: The Journey of Sustainable Conservation from Machu Picchu to the Amazon

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In 2014, UNESCO warned that Machu Picchu could be included on the list of endangered heritage sites due to poor waste management. In response, the Inkaterra Hotels Association, the Municipality of Machu Picchu, and the AJE Group implemented a circular economy model to manage waste locally. In 2015, four plants were established to process this waste. In Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, four tons of organic waste are generated daily due to the large influx of tourists, restaurants, and hotels. This waste is segregated and processed in a pyrolysis plant built in collaboration with Peruvian engineers and the University of Cusco. This plant converts the waste into biochar, a natural carbon that enriches the soil and helps retain carbon dioxide. Additionally, there are PET compaction plants, cardboard segregation plants, and glass processing plants. Plastic bottles are compacted and transported to a recycling plant in Lima, turning them into new bottles. These actions aim to raise awareness about the recyclable value of plastic bottles. Glass bottles are also recycled and pulverized, preventing them from ending up in the Vilcanota River. The resulting sand is mixed with concrete to create paving stones that beautify and reinforce the riverbanks. Some of these white paving stones have already been placed in Machu Picchu, marking certain areas and contributing to the beautification and strengthening of the local infrastructure. According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism activity accounts for around 8% of total CO2 emissions globally. In Peru, according to the Green Initiative, about 5% of total emissions are related to tourism. Therefore, the tourism industry worldwide and in Peru, in particular, must improve its practices and incorporate climate action as a standard between destinations and companies. A fundamental aspect of this change consists of implementing management for reducing carbon emissions (mitigation) and achieving the carbon-neutral certification promoted internationally by the Green Initiative. The certification was granted to Machu Picchu in 2021 by the Green Initiative after a certification cycle lasting five months. During this cycle, the Municipality formalized its climate commitment through the UN Climate Change – Climate Neutral Now program, aligning itself with the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement and the recommendations for low-carbon tourism reactivation promoted by the One Planet program of the World Tourism Organization. These results confirm that tourism activity and the generation of carbon emissions are directly related, exhibiting a positive correlation. To reach its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, Machu Picchu must promote tourism’s reactivation and economic recovery without increasing carbon emissions. Now, in June 2024, Machu Picchu has renewed its certification as the First Carbon Neutral UNESCO Designated Site, underscoring Machu Picchu’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonization, which continues to lead in sustainable tourism through innovative environmental initiatives and collaborative efforts. Moreover, Machu Picchu has made substantial progress in reducing carbon emissions. The total carbon footprint for 2022 was 7,117.55 tCO2eq, representing an 18.77% reduction compared to the 2019 baseline. REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions: Pioneering Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Amazon Following the successful waste management initiatives in Machu Picchu, efforts to offset its carbon footprint led to the REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions conservation project. Developed by the Peruvian company Bosques Amazónicos (BAM), an ally of Green Initiative, this project protects over 600,000 hectares of unique megadiverse forests in partnership with more than 800 castañeros families in Madre de Dios, Peru. The REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions project stands out for its scale and impact. It safeguards the chestnut forests, which are home to incredible biodiversity. For over 14 years, BAM, the Green Initiative, and the concessionary families have been united in their mission to protect these forests from the looming threats of deforestation. Their approach combines sustainable economic development with environmental conservation, ensuring that the local community benefits alongside the environment. A core principle of the REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions project is promoting economic development in harmony with nature. The project has implemented an integrated system for forest monitoring. It provides continuous technical and legal assistance to concessionary families. These families receive ongoing training in sustainable forest management, empowering them to protect their natural resources while enhancing their livelihoods. The project also offers direct economic benefits to the castañeros partners. It has developed sustainable, productive alternatives to improve the community’s quality of life. Photos by Walter H. Wust In addition to its economic and social impacts, the REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions project makes significant strides in biodiversity conservation. Scientific expeditions as part of the BAM Science Program leverage technology and innovation to monitor the biodiversity of the chestnut forests with active participation from the castañeros community. This ensures that the conservation efforts are both scientifically robust and community-driven. Notable achievements include: These accomplishments highlight the project’s role in mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and fostering sustainable development. It is a global model for integrating economic growth with environmental stewardship and community empowerment. A Model for Global Conservation The REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions project serves as a model for conservation efforts worldwide. Integrating economic development with environmental stewardship and community empowerment demonstrates that protecting our planet’s natural resources can improve human well-being. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and environmental degradation challenges, initiatives like REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions offer a beacon of hope. They show that innovative approaches and collaborative efforts can create a sustainable future for both people and the planet. To delve deeper into the remarkable work of the REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions project, download the 2023 Annual Report here. Contact us for further information and supporting Green Initiative’s actions from the Andes to the Amazon. Useful links:

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Mobilizing Financial Resources for Biodiversity Conservation: Challenges and Imperatives

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Biodiversity and ecosystem health are the foundation for sustainable development, playing a pivotal role in securing our common future. Recognizing the importance of financing conservation efforts, Agenda 2030 established Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.a to mobilize substantial financial resources to preserve and sustain biodiversity and ecosystems. However, the journey toward achieving this target has complexities and challenges. A significant one is the mobilization and alignment of financing – not only sourcing funds, but also ensuring that they are properly directed towards initiatives that protect and enhance biodiversity. SDG 15.a provides the financial underpinning for the broader aspiration of protecting life on earth embodied in SDG 15. Despite some progress, a significant funding gap remains for biodiversity conservation. Estimated global biodiversity finance currently stands between $78–91 billion annually, falling significantly short of the projected need of $700 billion USD per year identified in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Moreover, funding for biodiversity conservation competes with subsidies and support directed at activities that harm ecosystems, including industrial agriculture, energy, forestry, and mining. Despite the gradual increase in international public funding for biodiversity, there are disparities between countries. While bilateral official development assistance (ODA) has risen sharply, domestic funding in several countries has stagnated or declined, exacerbating the global funding gap. This underlines the urgent need for a strategic reassessment and recalibration of financial priorities by governments and underscores the need to increase the use and ambition of biodiversity-relevant economic instruments to effectively achieve conservation goals. A critical gap in Target 15.a is the absence of specific quantitative goals, unlike the target of $100 billion USD agreed upon at the 2009 climate change negotiations. This absence creates ambiguity, leading to concerns about the potential double counting of resources allocated to other objectives and tensions arising from differing interpretations of financial mobilization efforts. These challenges demand resolution as the global community begins to work on achieving the 2030 goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal GBF. Addressing the shortfall in financial commitments, fostering coherence in funding strategies, and delineating a universally accepted quantitative target for resource mobilization are imperative steps. Addressing the gap in SDG 15.a, Target 19 of the GBF aims for the mobilization of $200 billion annually for biodiversity from all sources, including $30 billion through international finance. Collaborative efforts among countries, multilateral institutions, private actors and civil society will be needed to bridge the gap between aspirations and reality. Creating innovative financing mechanisms, providing incentives for sustainable practices, and redirecting subsidies away from harmful activities and towards financial incentives for practices that benefit biodiversity will encourage more sustainable behavior. In conclusion, while the commitment to mobilize financial resources for biodiversity conservation and sustainability is clear, realizing this ambition requires collective and concerted action. It requires a paradigm shift in financial priorities, a recalibration of resource allocation strategies, and a shared commitment, including from the private sector, to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity for present and future generations. Navigating Financial Pathways for Biodiversity Preservation Securing the right funding is of paramount importance in the quest to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Our advisory services specialize in navigating these complexities and bridging the gap between aspiration and reality. By leveraging collective efforts and innovative mechanisms, we work toward aligning financial priorities and directing resources to achieve sustainability. Contact us to embark on this critical journey together, paving the way to achieving the SDGs and fostering a healthier, more vibrant planet for present and future generations. Written by Frédéric Perron-Welch, Head of Climate and Nature Policy from the Green Initiative Team. Image credits: Inkaterra Hotels Related articles

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