This is a World Economic Forum initiative that recognises visionary solutions throughout the world who are championing the cause for nature finance. The award brings together innovators and investors forging new and sustainable solutions for nature protection.
Our brilliant Chief Investment Officer, Anne Cathrine Garde, was in New York for the week representing Natural Capital. From engaging with industry leaders and nature investors to celebrating alongside members of the nature investment community, she shared our vision and mission with a global audience. She was therefore able to accept the award in person and meet with other winners of the UpLink competition. As a small company looking to expand our mission and scale our innovative conservation investment solution, attending this week was always going to be an exciting one. But the announcement of this exciting news has made it all the more special.
Natural Capital was built with the realisation that up until now, traditional finance has been unable to appropriately value nature for what it is truly worth. Seeing this motivation turn into the tangible model that is not only conserving African landscapes, but providing the financial systems to grow them, has been an incredible recognition of this potential.
This award, through the World Economic Forum, is just further reinforcement of what we have always known: nature needs new financial solutions. Being a part of this community will give us a huge boost and provide a powerful platform to expand partnerships, mobilise capital, and scale our mission to safeguard Africa’s most vital wilderness areas in perpetuity.
Our theory of change aligns ecological restoration with inclusive local economic development and financial returns.
High-value ecosystems are secured, effectively managed, and resilient to climate change.
High-value conservation landscapes are identified, secured, and established
Conservation areas are effectively managed and ecologically restored
Biodiversity, climate, and ecosystem health are monitored using robust science
Local communities experience equitable benefits, improved livelihoods, and active participation in conservation.
Better jobs and diversified livelihood opportunities are created
Individuals achieve higher levels of employment, fair wages, and economic stability
Women and underrepresented groups are empowered and included in decision-making
Conservation landscapes are supported by long-term, diversified, and scalable capital.
Conservation projects are designed with the financial, legal, and ecological structures needed for investment
Philanthropic, private, and public capital are mobilised and deployed at scale
Sustainable revenue models ensure long-term financial resilience