A new nature-based economy could generate up to trillions of dollars in annual business value for companies and create up to 395 million jobs globally by 2030.
Currently, the world is facing two major crises: the pandemic generated by Covid-19 and climate change, which in addition to causing the loss of millions of lives and the collapse of the global economy, also endanger the future of humanity. According to Marian Buraschi, Director of nexos+1 -regional platform for climate action and business resilience, Nature-based solutions (NBS) is a new concept that brings with it business opportunities for companies, and in turn provides us with solutions to this challenge.
"These are actions for the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems, which in turn allow us to respond to challenges such as climate change mitigation and adaptation. These solutions could provide about 40% of CO2 emission reductions.", he points out. But, is it necessary and profitable to bet on climate and nature in Peruvian companies? Yes, and these are the 3 main reasons, according to the specialist:
1) Nature, a source of efficiency and productivity
For example, one of the most widespread nature-based solutions in our region is regenerative livestock farming, which seeks to obtain the highest profitability per hectare, making use of practices such as rational grazing, the continuous availability of clean water, shade and mineral salts, the elimination of the use of herbicides, anabolics and some dewormers that damage soil microorganisms, as well as the use of cattle breeds adapted to the environment.
As a result, it has been possible to regenerate large-scale pastureland in Argentina, Uruguay y Chile. "It's a win-win business: the planet, the people and the economy.", indicates Pablo Borelli, General Manager of Ovis 21an international network of livestock producers, technicians and professionals.
2) Preservation as a business strategy
In the current context, companies that are committed to growth without neglecting preservation will be the ones that are best able to adapt to crises. According to the World Economic Forum44 trillion dollars - that is, half of the world's GDP - depend on nature.
The sectors that require the most from nature are construction, agriculture, and food and beverage production, which generate $8 billion annually.. Their activities are related to the direct extraction of resources from the forest, oceans, or the provision of ecosystem services such as healthy soils, clean water, pollination, and a stable climate. If nature loses its ability to provide such services, these sectors could suffer significant losses.
3) Nature as an ally for job creation
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), 400 million jobs have been lost due to the pandemic. However, in response to the crisis, a new nature-based economy could generate $10.1 trillion in annual trade value and create 395 million jobs globally by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
"Based on research developed by WEF, we know that nature provides us with resources - such as clean air, water, food, among others - worth an estimated 125,000 billion dollars per year.. Peruvian companies committed to sustainable development will find in nature an ally to lead the market with an innovative competitive advantage and, in turn, generate shared value.", highlights the director of nexos+1.
Marian Buraschi
Director of nexos+1
