Biodiversity Beyond Borders: Much Is Already Possible!
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​On the 11th of March, the NAB co-hosted “Biodiversity Beyond Borders: Much is Already Possible!” in partnership with Impact Orange Partners at Triodos IM Offices. This insightful session brought together experts to explore how impact investing in biodiversity can drive meaningful change and unlock investable opportunities.
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Our speakers for this session included Gerard Roelofs (Impact Orange Partners), Karel Nierop (Triodos IM), Marcela Paranhos (SAIL Investments), Jan-Willem König (Polestar Capital), and Reinout van Tuyll & Lars Laumen (Achmea IM).
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Biodiversity loss presents a material financial risk as 50% of our global economy depends on nature. Still, solutions already exist with investment opportunities in sustainable forestry, regenerative agriculture and sustainable fisheries to name a few.
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After an introduction by Hadewych Kuiper, the speakers presented strategies and real-world case studies, showcasing how the possibilities can bring more positive change. IOP highlighted the importance and urgency of investing in biodiversity alongside the opportunities present, refuting many misconceptions.
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Key highlights from the other speakers were:
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The expected rate of return for biodiversity is well within the 7%-12% range with low volatility demonstrating its investability but requiring to go beyond the traditional ‘bucket-thinking’ mindset.
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DNHS harm is essential to slow down the damage being done: Applying minimum standards to selected investments and actively engaging can go a long way.
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A structured investment framework that integrates impact goals, technical solutions, and financial risk-return balance is crucial.
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Which data to collect is complex: Current frameworks offer a start, but investors can benefit from concrete data through real-time monitoring of ground-level impact and geospatial data to make key decisions.
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Newer and more efficient technologies can increase productivity gains and significantly decrease harm to biodiversity.
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Complexities are omnipresent but “keeping it simple” can just be the trick. A cohesive top-down & bottom-up approach coupled with a fitting Theory of Change with the investor’s priority can lead to better outcomes.
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The presentations were followed by an interactive Q &A session where discussions underscored that biodiversity investing is no longer a niche market —it’s a necessity and a viable, profitable investment avenue. The emergence of a nature-based economy is on the rise and it needs to be supported by adequate financial systems. Investors can also integrate nature-positive solutions into portfolios to not only mitigate financial risk but also contribute to the preservation and restoration of our planet’s ecosystems.
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As accurately said by one of our speakers, “Conventional farms and fields are the stranded assets of the future”, leading to an even more appropriate suggestion by NAB Chair Yvonne Bakkum “As biodiversity loss is not a linear process, investing in biodiversity tomorrow is more relevant and additional than investing next year". Understanding the interconnectedness of humanity and nature is the first step towards taking action.
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The time to act is now. The knowledge and tools are present and now it’s about scaling action and commitment. Much is already possible!
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To discover the case studies and strategic insights presented by our speakers, access the seminar presentation HERE.
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Additional information post-event: The report of PBAF on the reporting standards for biodiversity footprinting with about setting/determining the baseline is now available online. Check the link below:
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For now, the main guideline regarding baselines is that the choice of baseline(s), reference state(s) and cutoff date(s) used in footprint calculations shall be transparent and disclosed. The different approaches per asset class are also described in the report.
A big thank you to all our speakers. We remain grateful to our hosts, Triodos Investment Management, and to all the participants present for the conversations and thoughtful discussions.
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