Innovating with Nature: From Nature-Based Solutions to Nature-Based Enterprises

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NBS) to address societal challenges have been widely recognised and adopted by governments in climate change and biodiversity strategies. Nevertheless, significant barriers exist for the necessary large-scale implementation of NBS and market development is still in its infancy. This study presents findings from a systematic review of literature and a survey on private sector agents in the planning and implementation of NBS, with the aim to identify them. In this study, we propose a typology for organisations delivering NBS and a categorisation of their economic activities. The most common organisation type found is nature-based enterprise which offers products or services where nature is a core element and used sustainably and engages in economic activity. Moreover, eleven categories of economic activities were identified, ranging from ecosystem restoration, living green roofs, and eco-tourism to smart technologies and community engagement for NBS. Nature-based enterprises contribute to a diverse range of sustainable economic activities, that standard industry classification systems do not adequately account for. The recognition of the value created by these activities is essential for designing effective policy support measures, and for market development of the sector and its potential to facilitate the wider adoption of NBS.

State of the Art and Latest Advances in Exploring Business Models for Nature-Based Solutions

“…These and other benefits, such as the aesthetic and the psychological value, leveraging social cohesion, and the reduction of health risks, are not fully captured by markets. Connecting Nature and other projects have shown the multiple benefits generated by nature-based enterprises involved in the implementation of NBS-both economic benefits (such as jobs and wealth creation) and non-economic benefits (such as environmental education or community engagement) [24]. In other words, the positive and negative externalities generated by NBS are not internalised by market prices [15].…”

“…Recently, the concept of 'business models for sustainability (BMfS) was introduced by several authors [22][23][24], while others proposed 'sustainable business model archetypes' [25]. These strands of literature propose the development of financially profitable value propositions that also radically reduce negative and/or create positive external effects for the natural environment and society [23].…”

Green Roofs Towards Circular and Resilient Cities

“…Besides that, with clear policies, incentives, and strategies, the market will be able to deliver the solutions to match the needs. Kooijman et al [57] identified two types of organizations delivering NBS products and services: (i) nature-based enterprise (NBE), associated to an economic activity, and (ii) nature-based organization (NBO), not associated to economic activity. The main difference between them is that NBE "use nature as a core element of their product/ service offering for the planning, delivery, and/or stewardship of NBS and engage in economic activity" and NBO "use nature as a core element of their product/service offering for the planning, delivery, and/or stewardship of NBS but do not engage in economic activity."…”

“…From their conclusions, there is a need of organizations that are able to deliver large-scale implementation of NBS and market development. Furthermore, the recognition of NBE as important actors to leverage NBS and to job creation is an important dimension for NBS inclusion in cities, which also applies in particular to green roof systems [57]. 5.…”

Innovating with Nature: Factors Influencing the Success of Nature-Based Enterprises

“…Nature-based enterprises have been identified as critical actors in the supply chain of NBS [14,15]. Echoing and enhancing Kooijman et al [14], we define a NBE as: "An enterprise, engaged in economic activity, that uses nature sustainably as a core element of their product/service offering.…”