Paper on the link between natural capital and companies and financial institutions. NextGreen, VBDO, and CREM organized two expeditions and compiled the results in this white paper.

Paper on the link between natural capital and companies and financial institutions. NextGreen, VBDO, and CREM organized two expeditions and compiled the results in this white paper.

Context

Natural capital refers to all natural resources (such as soil, water, air, and biodiversity) and ecosystem services (such as CO₂ storage and pollination) that are necessary for human well-being and prosperity. In the financial sector, there is growing recognition that these natural resources contribute to long-term economic stability.

VBDO, CREM, and NextGreen organized two expeditions to explore the link between natural capital and companies and financial institutions. The findings and suggestions for joint action are presented in this report.

Approach and activities

During two expeditions—one focused on the built environment and one on agri-food—participants from various financial institutions and companies visited a location that served as the starting point for the follow-up dialogue. The issues that emerged during the discussions between finance and business, as well as their needs to strengthen investments in natural capital, are summarized in this document. The document also contains suggestions for how we can move forward together.