Nature positive enterprises join forces with researchers to explore the potential of the nature-positive economy

Nature positive enterprises join forces with researchers to explore the potential of the nature-positive economy

GoNaturePositive! initiative launched by international research project

The launch of GoNaturePositive! took place in Trinity Business School on 6th –  7th March. More information here

The European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB) with two of its national member associations: Associação Nacional de Coberturas Verdes (ANCV) and Asociácia pre zelené strechy a zelenú infraštruktúru (AZSZI) are representing one of six Pilots of GoNaturePositive! project helping reach out to over 500 nature positive enterprises across Europe and joining forces with researchers from Trinity College Dublin and 20 other partners on an international study investigating the challenges and benefits of a nature-positive economy.

EFB, in collaboration with its members, national associations, and project partners, is launching an initiative to develop a robust methodology for creating a European Green Market Report. This comprehensive endeavor will not only analyze market trends but also quantify the nature-positive potential of Green Buildings, offering valuable insights into the sustainable development landscape across Europe.

The Green Market Report will provide essential insights for various stakeholders:

• For established companies in the greening infrastructure sector, it offers valuable market development data to inform strategic decisions and maintain a competitive edge.
• For businesses considering entry into the greening infrastructure industry, it serves as a decision-making tool by providing foundational information.
• For cities, governments, and policymakers, it outlines industry trends, job opportunities, funding effectiveness, regulatory guidance, and cross-border learnings to inform policy and planning decisions.

The GoNaturePositive! initiative led by Trinity Business School involves 20 partners across 14 countries and a network of global collaborators to accelerate awareness and transformative action towards a nature-positive economy among policymakers, investors, businesses and wider society. Research will result in more clarity on the concept of a nature-positive economy and provide guidance for businesses and policy makers on the priorities for transformation.

Siobhan McQuaid, Principal Investigator on the GoNaturePositive!, said:

“There is no doubt that the restoration of nature presents enormous economic opportunities. But how we set out to define and action the idea of a nature-positive economy is less clear. And what does a nature-positive economy mean on the ground for people, processors and farmers? The ambition of GoNaturePositive! is huge – to lead to a paradigm shift in economic thinking and practise away from the current spiral of planetary degradation and towards the new opportunities proposed by a nature-positive economy.”

Businesses are at the heart of this Horizon Europe-funded initiative. GoNaturePositive! collaborates with existing initiatives to provide clarity on the concept of a nature-positive economy, guidance and support for business transition and very importantly how to measure progress towards achieving it.  GoNaturePositive! also works with nature-based enterprises who are nature-positive from creation. These include regenerative ocean farming and marine businesses in Ireland; bee-farming in Colombia; agro-ecological farming in Belgium; carbon-neutral forestry and nature-positive tourism in Italy and green building enterprises throughout Europe. These pilots showcase real-world challenges and opportunities and demonstrate the measurable contribution of project interventions.

Pavel Dostal, Vice-President of EFB and CEO of GreenVille commented: “Embracing the green economy isn’t just a choice; it’s an imperative for a sustainable future. At GreenVille, we believe in the transformative power of eco-friendly solutions, particularly in the realm of roofing. Our commitment to green roofing not only reflects our environmental stewardship but also presents boundless opportunities for innovation and growth. By harnessing nature’s resources and integrating them seamlessly into urban landscapes, we’re not just building roofs; we’re constructing pathways to a cleaner, greener tomorrow. The green economy isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about prosperity. It’s about creating jobs, driving technological advancement, and fostering resilient communities. Together, let’s seize these opportunities, transform industries, and pave the way towards a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

At the event in Trinity Business School business and environmental leaders from around the world gathered to begin the process of shaping an inclusive EU definition of the nature positive economy and to kick start discussions on how such a definition can be integrated into future EU, national and local government policies and programmes within the framework of the broader EU Green Deal.

Paulo Palha, President of EFB, agronomist and owner of Neoturf, one of the companies working on the green building business for more than two decades, added: “Green roofs, green walls, and interior landscaping is a fast-growing industry all over Europe, because of the enormous benefits they can bring to cities and citizens. Ecosystem services, provided by these solutions, can promote more resilient and livable cities, meanwhile, they promote the growth of nature-positive businesses and the economy overall.”

For more information about the project and to get involved, visit the website:  https://www.gonaturepositive.eu