Testing and developing biodiversity solutions

Protecting biodiversity helps maintain ecosystem services that businesses in different sectors depend on. Nefco’s Biodiversity Pilot Programme aims to test and develop concrete biodiversity solutions in collaboration with companies.

About the Biodiversity Pilot Programme

Watch video: Unique pilot programme for SMEs

Nefco’s Biodiversity Pilot Programme aims to co-create concrete biodiversity actions with companies and share knowledge on nature-positive impact strategies.

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Biodiversity Pilot Programme

What is goal of the Biodiversity Pilot Programme?

Nefco’s Biodiversity Pilot Programme aims to test and develop concrete biodiversity solutions co-created with private sector companies. The pilot programme will enable, in particular, small and medium-sized companies to learn about the biodiversity-related risks and opportunities for their business and to test scalable solutions to address them.

Why is biodiversity important for companies?

Biological diversity is declining globally at a rate unprecedented in human history. More than half of global GDP is highly (or moderately) dependent on nature. Many businesses are dependent on nature and ecosystem services – fast deterioration poses a risk. Activities that strengthen nature may strengthen resilience to sudden natural extremes and facilitate access to finance.

Who can join?

The pilot programme is open to existing Nefco client companies within the Nordic countries. The companies were selected in December 2022.

What is included in the programme?

The Biodiversity Pilot Programme will offer several workshops, peer learning, facilitated sessions with seasoned specialists and well-planned biodiversity actions suitable for the organisation’s size and needs. The participating companies will gain experience in biodiversity protection, develop a biodiversity management plan and take concrete steps to tackle biodiversity loss.

What does Nefco offer?

  • Capacity building: Expert knowledge on biodiversity shared during facilitated sessions and 3-4 high-quality workshops
  • Technical support and consulting services:

What is expected from the participating companies?

  • Selected companies are expected to be committed to taking their biodiversity management to the next level and cooperate with Nefco throughout the programme
  • Resources (time and possibly some operating expenditure depending on the selected, tailored activities)
  • Reporting the results

What is the programme duration?

The programme will run for approximately 1.5-2 years from autumn 2022 onwards.

How is the programme funded?

The Biodiversity Pilot Programme is funded by the Nordic Environmental Development Fund (NMF), which currently gets contributions from the Nordic Council of Ministers. Nefco has managed the fund on behalf of its member countries since 1996.

More information

Please contact Katariina Vartiainen (katariina.vartiainen@nefco.int) for more information.

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