As biodiversity loss increasingly threatens our planet and livelihoods, we are witnessing a global rise in digital and mobile solutions that aid in the fight to conserve and restore nature. These so-called “Nature Tech” solutions accelerate and enhance nature-based solutions (NbS) in many landscapes affected by the biodiversity and climate crises. They enable people worldwide to contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by providing access to information and tools, especially for local communities and indigenous peoples in areas of high and significant biodiversity. From conserving, restoring, and sustainably using biodiversity to creating ways to share the benefits of conservation, the recent emergence of Nature Tech offers new opportunities for various stakeholders to contribute to the protection of biodiversity.
- How current mobile and digital solutions address biodiversity challenges in the Global South,
- The business models underlying these technological solutions,
- The current state of private investment in Nature Tech, with particular focus on the actions of MNOs to tackle the biodiversity crisis,
- Opportunities and motivations for the private sector, and especially MNOs, to engage with and leverage Nature Tech solutions.
Expected Evolution of the Nature Tech Market
Promising Business Models for Nature Tech
There are many existing business models being trialed and tested in the Global South that show promise for creating impact for people, the planet, and profit. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Nature Tech business models—an abundance of use cases, revenue streams, and technologies can be combined in endless ways to create solutions that address the specific goals of entrepreneurs, investors, and communities. The key to these business cases is diversification—of technologies and revenue streams—to maximize the potential for scaling and impact. The private sector and MNOs can start engaging with these solutions now—by supporting existing projects and testing innovative solutions—to enhance the reach and potential of these technologies and projects to reduce biodiversity loss while simultaneously creating benefits for people.