The first decade of the 21st century has seen a sea change in how we perceive and, and increasingly how we value, land and marine ecosystems – the Earths ‘natural infrastructure’. In particular mounting concern over climate change and biodiversity loss has spurred widespread recognition of the need to conserve and sustainably manage remaining natural forests.

In response a variety of market-based mechanisms are planned, under development or in operation which realign economic incentives in favour sustainable management and conservation.

Market-based incentives fall into two broad categories:-

• Payment for ecosystem ‘services’ that nature has hitherto provided for free, such as carbon capture and storage, habitat and water management
• Payment for independently certified legal and sustainable production, such as timber (FSC/PEFC) and palm oil (RSPO)

EnviroMarket works with both market facilitators (organisations that scope, develop and operate market based incentives) and potential market participants.

Services for Market Facilitators: EnviroMarket assists market facilitators in scoping, designing, piloting, and launching, operating and evaluating the most effective market frameworks for particular policy objectives.

Areas of engagement include:-

• Strategic evaluation of policy options
• Project management
• Participant engagement
• Market facilitation

EnviroMarket is a leading proponent in the development of forest bonds, a class of green bond issued specifically to capitalise sustainable forest and land management.

Services for Market Participants: EnviroMarket assists potential or existing market participants in understanding market frameworks, determining future business strategy, timing and resource implications.

Areas of engagement include:-

• Evaluation of strategic opportunities and risks
• Project design and implementation
• Pricing
• Contract negotiation and closing