Insights

International insights

Discussion paper on state of nature measurement(Opens in a new tab/window)

The Taskforce on Nature Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) has released(Opens in a new tab/window) a discussion paper on the state of nature measurement, in collaboration with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). The paper seeks feedback on proposals for integrating the Nature Positive Initiative’s state of nature metrics into the three global frameworks and standards. For TNFD, this includes improving LEAP guidance by incorporating the metrics to enhance ecosystem service analysis and strengthening guidance on identifying sensitive locations. Provide feedback by 4 June 2026.

International Sustainability Standards Board – papers for April 2026 meeting(Opens in a new tab/window)

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has released(Opens in a new tab/window) four staff papers regarding the Nature-related Disclosures project ahead of its April meeting. The ISSB is targeting an exposure draft to be issues in October 2026 and the four papers are exploring the shape of the exposure draft and responding to the February and March meetings related to the project. The first paper recommends the introduction of incremental guidance on location-specific information about nature-related risks and opportunities. The second and third papers recommend the creation of guidance regarding information on engagement with Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and affected stakeholders. The fourth paper analyses potential formats for ISSB nature-related disclosure requirements and recommends an IFRS Practice Statement, rather than through standard setting. 

Revenue models and financing mechanisms for protecting and restoring coastal and marine ecosystems(Opens in a new tab/window)

The Green Finance Institute, as part of its Revenue for Nature initiative, has published(Opens in a new tab/window) a new guidebook focusing on how innovative revenue models and financing mechanisms can scale the mobilisation of private capital to protect and restore coastal and marine ecosystems. Ocean and coastal habitats form the foundation of marine biodiversity, sustain fisheries, buffer coastlines from storms, and play a critical role in global biogeochemical cycles. Companies that lead in ocean stewardship and innovation are well positioned to capture growth in emerging blue economy markets while strengthening long-term asset resilience and stakeholder trust. The guidebook features a series of case studies, including one on Urchinomics, a nature-based enterprise, which transforms urchin overgrazing areas into areas producing high-quality seafood products. Urchinomics has so far raised EUR 11 million from impact-aligned investors. 

Aligning business models with a nature positive economy(Opens in a new tab/window)

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership has published(Opens in a new tab/window) a report on aligning business models with a nature positive economy. The report argues that transforming business models is essential for achieving a nature‑positive economy. It highlights major barriers to this transition, including challenges with defining and measuring nature’s value, quantifying nature risk, organisational inertia, misaligned market incentives, and regulatory uncertainty. To guide businesses, the report outlines seven archetypes of nature‑aligned business models, supported by real‑world case studies and metrics for implementation. It emphasises that economic drivers, both risk‑based and opportunity‑based, are needed to scale and motivate corporate action. Ultimately, the report calls for coordinated efforts across business, finance, and government to enable systemic change and ensure that nature restoration becomes embedded in economic decision‑making.

WWF launches version 3.0 of Risk Filter Suite(Opens in a new tab/window)

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) launches(Opens in a new tab/window) its Risk Filter Suite v3.0. The Risk Filter Suite contains two free online tools, the WWF Water Risk Filter and WWF Biodiversity Risk Filter, designed to be used by companies and financial institutions to assess and act on their water and biodiversity risks.

By aggregating over 80+ global scientific datasets and adjusting them based on industry characteristics, these tools enable users to screen and prioritise risk hotspots at a high level across their direct operations, value chains and investment portfolios worldwide. These risk assessment results allow users to identify where they should focus their efforts for deeper engagement, more localised analysis with more granular data, and implementation of risk reduction measures. 

WWF Report Explores Market-Based Solutions to Invasive Species(Opens in a new tab/window)

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has launched(Opens in a new tab/window) a ‘Market Uses for Invasives’ framework to assess when commercial use can deliver environmental and economic benefits. Using market forces is a new approach to addressing invasive species, and success will require collaboration from both the conservation and business worlds. “There is a very real risk of unintended consequences with commodifying invasive species; it’s essential we get this right and only use market solutions when they make ecological and business sense,” said Emily Moberg, senior director at the Markets Institute and report co-author. To illustrate the framework’s utility, the report applies it to two invasive species causing considerable environmental and economic damage: carp and black locust trees. The analysis examines carp for pet food and black locust for lumber. WWF will develop additional case studies and share lessons learnt alongside ongoing revising, refining and sharing of the framework.

Impact Valuation, Externalities and Transition Finance(Opens in a new tab/window)

Value Balancing Alliance (VBA) has published(Opens in a new tab/window) a whitepaper that demonstrates the financial relevance of externalities and shows how impact valuation translates environmental and social effects into decision-useful monetary metrics. VBA states that factoring in externalities enables more efficient capital allocation, pricing of transition and physical climate and nature value at risk, overall improves risk management and supports more resilient long-term cash flows. The paper introduces a risk-based approach to resilience designed specifically for hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, metals and mining. These sectors are central to the real economy, but they are also highly exposed to policy shifts, technology constraints, infrastructure bottlenecks, operational disruption, and changing financing conditions.

L'Accelerator Cohort 2 - CISL & L'Oréal(Opens in a new tab/window)

L’Oréal has partnered with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)’s Canopy innovation experts to scout, identify, pilot, and scale technologies addressing critical solution gaps within the industry in support of its sustainability transformation. L’Oréal is seeking(Opens in a new tab/window) bold startups, SMEs and innovative solutions from established companies from around the world working on deployment‑ready innovations, with a targeted technology readiness of 7 or higher, that offer a solution to one of L’Oréal seven identified sustainability challenges, including water resilience solutions, nature‑based solutions, and circularity and resource management. Applications close on 6 May 2026.

AI for Biodiversity Measurement: Advancing Nature Finance(Opens in a new tab/window)

Goldman Sachs has published(Opens in a new tab/window) a report outlining insights and applications identified in the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab’s pilots, which explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can help improve biodiversity measurement. While the power and precision of these AI models continue to evolve, the research demonstrates initial proofs of concept and potential applications: improved biodiversity data can help enhance business, financial, and regulatory decision-making, which could expand risk management capabilities, identify new business opportunities, and support innovative nature-based financial solutions.

Hedging with hedges: why institutions are turning to natural capital(Opens in a new tab/window)

Net Zero Investor has published(Opens in a new tab/window) an article highlighting that institutional investors are increasingly turning to natural capital as a way to hedge financial risks linked to rising carbon prices. These nature‑based assets generate returns when carbon costs increase, creating a counterbalance to carbon‑intensive holdings. In Europe, PensionDanmark is aiming to be nature-positive by 2030 by embedding biodiversity measures into real estate and infrastructure projects. Projects developed with higher biodiversity standards face fewer regulatory barriers and gain advantages in planning and tendering. Nature enhancements, such as wildflower meadows on solar farms, deliver measurable economic value through carbon sequestration, improved soil health, and greater land resilience. Despite growing interest, adoption is limited by investible products, data gaps, and the resource burden of climate and nature‑related reporting requirements.