The term “Nature Tech” is gaining traction in business and conservation circles—and for good reason. As ecosystems face mounting threats from climate breakdown, technology is stepping up to help. But what exactly is Nature Tech? And how does it differ from traditional technology, which is sometimes seen as part of the problem rather than the solution?

What Is Nature Tech?

At its core, Nature Tech refers to tech-enabled solutions that help protect and restore nature. It spans a broad range of innovations, harnessing technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and satellite imaging to drive nature-positive action.

But these terms can feel abstract—so let’s break it down.

In the context of a nature-positive economy, Nature Tech is harnessed to accelerate and scale high-quality nature-based solutions (NbS). These NbS restore and protect ecosystems by leveraging nature’s own ability to regulate and sustain the environment. Such solutions contribute to a key international nature goal: the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) – aiming to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and beyond. Working towards the GBF is super important because a large majority of the global economy depends on nature and its ecosystem services – that looks like $44 trillion of economic value generation per year!

Nature Tech Starts with Measurement

One of the biggest challenges in taking meaningful action for nature is the lack of reliable data. Without it, businesses and policymakers struggle to make informed decisions. This is where Nature Tech is making waves.

New solutions are emerging, such as:

• AI-powered satellite imagery that tracks deforestation in real-time.
• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) that maps habitats, assesses vegetation, and monitors ecosystem changes.
• eDNA (environmental DNA) testing that detects species presence in water and soil samples.

With solid baseline data, businesses can take actionable steps harnessing nature tech in the most impactful areas for their context — from reforestation and precision agriculture to sustainable textile production and ecosystem restoration.

Mapping the Nature Tech Landscape

Nature Tech is still an evolving market with a broad and diverse scope. What sets it apart from conventional technology is its core purpose: unlocking nature-positive action through the sustainable use and restoration of natural capital.

To make sense of how solutions fit together, here are two key frameworks:

1. The ‘5M’ Framework (Nature Tech Collective )

This model helps businesses and governments integrate nature as an economic asset:

• Measurement & Monitoring – Capturing real-time data on biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural capital. (Example: AI-powered satellite imagery tracking deforestation.)
• Modelling – Turning raw environmental data into actionable insights. (Example: Predicting habitat loss using machine learning models.)
• Material Change – Tech-driven interventions that reduce harm and enhance sustainability. (Example: Bioengineered crops reducing pesticide reliance.)
• Monetisation – Creating financial mechanisms that value and protect nature. (Example: Natural Capital Accounting or Ecosystem Services Valuation Tools.)
• Market Pressures – Aligning business, policy, and consumer demand to drive nature-positive action. (Example: Retailers shifting to regenerative agriculture due to consumer pressure.)

2. The Four Categories of Nature Tech (World Economic Forum)

Another way to categorise Nature Tech is by function:

• Deployment – Technology that helps implement NbS efficiently. (Example: Drones for large-scale reforestation, precision agriculture tools to boost yields.)
• Monitoring, Reporting & Verification (MRV) – Ensuring impact is measurable, verifiable, and transparent. (Example: Satellite monitoring, LiDAR, eDNA testing.)
• Transparency – Making nature-based assets visible and accountable. (Example: Blockchain ensuring integrity in carbon markets and biodiversity credits.)
• Connection – Linking communities to better opportunities. (Example: Mobile apps connecting local producers to higher-paying, sustainable markets.)

The Future of Nature Tech

Every day, we gain more clarity on how this market is evolving—and the scale of opportunity it holds. One thing is certain: the Nature Tech toolbox is expanding.

The industry is expected to grow from $2 billion in 2022 to $6 billion in less than a decade. And it’s not just about innovation—it’s about transformation.

The Nature Brief for Business.

The Big Picture.

The EU is advancing regulatory changes to ease sustainability reporting while balancing environmental integrity. Governments and businesses are ramping up biodiversity conservation efforts, with significant funding for protected areas, nature-based carbon solutions, and green investments. The biodiversity credit market continues to evolve, with new methodologies and project launches reinforcing its role in conservation finance.

Key movements this week:

• EU refines sustainability reporting rules, with proposed changes to reduce compliance burdens while maintaining environmental commitments.
• Governments and businesses scale biodiversity investments, with major funding initiatives for conservation and nature-based solutions.
• Biodiversity credit market gains traction, with new crediting standards and project developments expanding market applications.

Market Essentials.

Reporting: The EU’s Omnibus proposal aims to simplify sustainability reporting, raising debate over reducing business burdens while ensuring transparency on environmental risks.

• EU law on nature restoration sparks public debate. Concerns around property rights, data quality, and funding uncertainties are shaping the regulatory landscape.
• EU member states back delays to corporate green reporting rules. Support for simplifying reporting may ease near-term compliance burdens for businesses.
• CSRD revisions reduce scope for businesses. Changes to thresholds and compliance timelines lower the number of companies facing stringent sustainability reporting requirements.

Finance: Nature finance is growing, with biodiversity credits and green investments expanding despite challenges in standardization and risk.

• Experts push private markets to bridge public funding gaps for UK conservation. Private capital is increasingly seen as critical to restoring natural ecosystems.
• Uzbekistan sets national biodiversity credit and offset markets. Expanding global adoption of market-based mechanisms for nature finance.
• Microsoft invests in nature-based removal credits from Indian afforestation project. Corporate backing of large-scale afforestation underscores the role of business in carbon and biodiversity solutions.
• Waitrose unveils £500,000 fund for low-carbon farming. Supporting farmers in sustainable practices to reduce supply chain emissions.

Targets: Governments and companies are ramping up biodiversity conservation through funding, protected areas, and sustainable initiatives.

• Canada allocates C$100M for biodiversity conservation in Quebec. Financial commitment reinforces governmental focus on protected areas and species preservation.
• TNFD to announce new adopters at COP30. Growing momentum in nature-related financial disclosures signals wider corporate alignment with sustainability frameworks.
• WWF France launches Nature Impact project. Mobilizing private landowners to engage in biodiversity and climate action.

Trend Watch.

Biodiversity Credits: Biodiversity credits are gaining credibility as improved methodologies and real-world applications strengthen their role in conservation finance.

• BioCarbon updates biodiversity credit methodology. Improving credibility and robustness in biodiversity impact measurement.
• Jaguar conservation project in Brazil issues 71,000 biodiversity credits. Demonstrates market potential for real-world conservation projects.
• NatureMetrics advances biodiversity monitoring with eDNA technology. AI-powered analytics enhance the credibility and scalability of biodiversity credit markets.

Nature Tech: Investment in nature-based technology accelerates, with innovations improving conservation efforts and biodiversity assessments.

• Nature Tech Week set to bring stakeholders together. Focus on accelerating investment and collaboration in nature-based technology.
• Ocean data startups leverage AI and satellite imaging. Enhancing understanding of marine biodiversity and sustainable ocean investments.

Nature & Net Zero: Businesses are integrating nature-based solutions into net-zero strategies, recognizing their dual role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection.

• Arup to restore nature at Boothby Wildland for carbon removal. Corporate funding expands nature-based carbon solutions in the UK.

Quick Hits.

Policy:

• India’s Green Credit Programme faces Supreme Court challenge. Environmental groups raise concerns about potential ecosystem damage.
• US suspends legal opinion on corporate liability for bird deaths. Regulatory uncertainty emerges over wildlife protection obligations.

Investment:

• Norwegian startup raises €3.7M for biodiversity risk assessment in real estate. Investors look to integrate nature-related risks into asset valuation.
• Ireland launches peatland ecosystem certificates. New standard links carbon and biodiversity benefits in conservation finance.
• Microsoft purchases 1.5M tonnes of carbon removal credits from Indian afforestation project. Corporate investment in large-scale nature-based solutions continues to rise.

People:

• Activists challenge land auction in India. Concerns over habitat destruction and wildlife displacement.
• Tanzania soil carbon projects face land grabbing allegations. Indigenous groups push back against large-scale carbon schemes.
• Greenpeace exposes supertrawler fishing in UK marine protected areas. Questions raised over enforcement of ocean conservation policies.

Your Take?

What matters most to your business? What do you want to see next?

📩 Reach out at hello@wildsight.co and let us know.

Your take will shape what we cover next.

The Nature Brief for Business.

The Big Picture.

Regulation is shifting, with significant developments in sustainability reporting requirements that could ease compliance burdens while raising concerns about transparency.

Investment in biodiversity finance continues to scale, with major commitments in nature finance and biodiversity credit markets. Meanwhile, corporate action is intensifying, as companies move beyond risk mitigation toward net positive impact strategies.

• The biodiversity credit market is gaining traction, with new methodologies, regional initiatives, and institutional backing.
• Nature tech is accelerating, with increased funding and corporate adoption of innovative environmental solutions.
• Nature and net-zero strategies are converging, with businesses increasingly integrating biodiversity into climate action plans.

Market Essentials.

Reporting: Sustainability disclosure frameworks evolve, balancing simplification with integrity

• EU to Exempt 80% of Companies from CSRD Sustainability Reporting Requirements. A major potential rollback that could reduce reporting burdens for a large number of EU businesses, shifting focus and investment priorities.
• TNFD Seeks Feedback on Sector Guidance for Marine Transportation & Cruise Lines. Tailoring nature-related risk disclosure to industry specifics signals a more practical implementation approach.
• UNEP FI Launches Initiatives to Accelerate Market Adoption of Nature-Related Financial Disclosures. Reinforces growing urgency in the financial sector to integrate nature-related risks and opportunities into corporate decision-making.

Finance: Investment flows into nature despite policy uncertainty, with major commitments and financial instruments scaling up.

• COP16 Secures Deal on Nature Finance – $200B per Year by 2030. A landmark commitment, though implementation details and funding sources remain critical.
• Goldman Sachs Asset Management Launches First Biodiversity Bond Fund. Targeting up to $500M, this signals rising investor interest in biodiversity-linked financial products.
• European Investment Bank Backs French Voluntary Biodiversity Credits. Institutional support for biodiversity credits could enhance credibility and scalability across the EU.
• Environmental Impact Fund Raises €300M at First Close. Focuses on biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change, reinforcing continued investor confidence in nature-positive assets.

Targets: Science-based targets gain momentum, with new validation mechanisms and corporate commitments.

• Fortescue & IUCN Partner on Net Positive Impact Roadmap. A significant industry effort to go beyond harm mitigation and actively contribute to biodiversity restoration.

• TNC Joins BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group as Conservation Advisor. Demonstrates how conservation expertise is being integrated into large-scale land management to balance financial and environmental performance.

Trend Watch.

Biodiversity Credits: Scaling frameworks and institutional backing drive market growth.

• Australia Finalizes First Nature Repair Market Method. Establishes a framework for biodiversity certificates, critical for a functioning national market.
• EIB Backs French Voluntary Biodiversity Credits. Could provide much-needed validation for the European biodiversity credit market.

Nature Tech: Funding, innovation, and corporate adoption signal rapid acceleration.

• Google Launches Accelerator for Nature Tech Startups. Highlights growing investor and corporate recognition of nature tech as a high-impact sector.
• 3Bee Unveils XNatura Intelligence for AI-Driven Environmental Monitoring. Demonstrates how AI and IoT are transforming nature intelligence and reporting.

Quick Hits

Policy

• Australia unveils inaugural National Ecosystem Accounts.
• UN Plastic Treaty Talks resume in August (Geneva).
• Beavers to be officially reintroduced in England.
• Kenya publishes new biodiversity protection & pollution control regulations.
• Canada invests in tree planting in Montreal.

Investment

• TechCoop raises $24M for agricultural supply chain optimization.
• Seaentia secures $16.7M for sustainable aquaculture.
• BeZero Carbon places Brazil forestry project on ‘Rating Watch’.
• Pulpex raises $78M to scale production of paper-based bottles.

People

• Environmental DNA leads to rediscovery of De Winton’s Golden Mole.
• Yanomami Youth Use Drones to Monitor Amazon Territory.
• Land Rights Bill in Suriname Sparks Indigenous Outrage.
• Indigenous Dayak Community in Borneo Advances Forest Autonomy.

Your Take?

What matters most to your business? What do you want to see next?

📩 Reach out at hello@wildsight.co and let us know.

Your take will shape what we cover next.

The Nature Brief for Business.

The Big Picture.

• EU sustainability reporting shake-up – The EU Omnibus Proposal aims to streamline CSRD, CSDDD, and EU Taxonomy, potentially delaying reporting for some companies until 2028 and exempting 80% from climate and nature disclosures.
• Biodiversity finance scales – Goldman Sachs launches its first biodiversity-focused bond fund, while countries push to secure a $200B global nature finance deal.
• Corporate action remains mixed – Drax commits to biodiversity target-setting aligned with TNFD, while HSBC delays net-zero goals by 20 years, highlighting the challenges of corporate climate action.

Market Essentials.

Reporting: Nature disclosures face overhaul

The EU is redefining sustainability reporting requirements, while Canada delays emissions disclosure.

• EU Omnibus Proposal Reshapes CSRD → The European Commission proposes easing sustainability reporting obligations, increasing thresholds so that only companies with €450M+ in EU turnover must comply.
• Most Companies Could Be Exempt from CSRD → The proposal could exempt 80% of businesses, reducing compliance burdens but raising concerns about transparency.
• Canada Delays Financed Emissions Reporting → Canada pushes back the requirement for banks and insurers to disclose financed emissions by three years.
• Companies Staying on Course Despite Uncertainty → A Workiva survey shows 85% of firms plan to continue climate reporting efforts, even if regulations shift.

Finance: Investment Interest Expands

New financial instruments are fueling nature-positive growth, but challenges remain.

• Goldman Sachs Launches Biodiversity Bond Fund → The $300M-$500M fund will invest in biodiversity-linked bonds, with 20% allocated to direct conservation projects.

• Investors Keen to Grow Nature Conservation Investment in Canada → A new report shows growing investor interest in nature conservation finance in Canada, highlighting efforts to benchmark progress in the country’s nature finance market.

Commitments: Corporate Action Remains Mixed

Some companies are strengthening nature commitments, while others are stepping back.

• Drax Commits to TNFD-Aligned Biodiversity Targets → The UK energy company will set biodiversity goals in line with TNFD recommendations by 2026.

• UK Unveils National Biodiversity Strategy → The UK government releases a plan to meet all 23 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

• HSBC Delays Net-Zero Goals by 20 Years → The banking giant pushes back its climate targets, sparking concerns over corporate commitment to decarbonization.

Trend Watch.

Biodiversity Credits: Market Expansion and Growing Scrutiny.

• EU Pressured to Introduce Nature Credit Standards → The Nature Conservancy (TNC) urges the EU to develop biodiversity credit standards to accelerate voluntary and compliance markets.
• Scottish Biodiversity Credit Concerns Emerge → Stakeholders warn that new Scottish nature laws could create issues for biodiversity credit implementation.
• MEPs Voice Greenwashing Concerns → Some MEPs raise reservations about the EU’s push for biodiversity credits, warning of potential greenwashing risks.

Nature Tech: Growth Continues.

• Aioi R&D Lab-Oxford and Natcap Research Develop AI Biodiversity Risk Tool → Backed by Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd., the tool features a Nature Risk Library with 1,000+ biodiversity risks, providing granular, location-specific insights for insurers, investors, and corporations.
• Investor Interest Grow → Key investment areas include AI agents for nature, fungi-based solutions, ocean data, remote sensing, and water security tech.

Quick Hits

Policy

• EU Enforces Fashion Recycling → New rules require fashion brands to fund textile recycling efforts.
• Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations Continue → GAIA calls for greater transparency in UN plastic treaty discussions.
• Indonesia and Norway Extend Forest Deal → Both nations renew climate and forestry cooperation through 2030.

Investment

• Mast Reforestation Secures $25M → Focused on carbon removal and post-wildfire reforestation.
• Cambium Raises $18.5M → Developing sustainable wood alternatives for construction.

People

• Vale Sued Over Mining Contamination → The Brazilian mining giant faces legal action for metal contamination affecting Indigenous lands.
• Lake Tanganyika Project Launched → Four African nations join forces to protect Lake Tanganyika’s biodiversity.
• Air New Zealand Invests in Nature Restoration → Commits NZ$1M to fund community-led conservation projects.

Your Take?

What matters most to your business? What do you want to see next?

📩 Reach out at hello@wildsight.co and let us know.

Your take will shape what we cover next.

The Nature Brief for Business.

Market Essentials.

What’s moving the market this week, and why it matters.

Reporting: Uncertainty Persists, Readiness Lags.

Companies are struggling to get clarity and align with reporting frameworks.

• Businesses Await Clarity from the EU’s Omnibus Reporting Package → Set for Release on February 26

• SBTi Faces Backlash Over Carbon Credit Controversy → The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is updating its Corporate Net Zero Standard, but delays persist due to controversy over the potential inclusion of carbon credits for Scope 3 emissions.

Finance: Biodiversity Investment Rises, Structural Gaps Remain.

Capital is flowing into nature-positive initiatives, but governance challenges persist.

• Biodiversity Credit Sales Reach $5.6M → Voluntary biodiversity credit markets continue to expand, particularly in Australasia. The EU is developing biodiversity measurement methodologies for wetlands and forests to enhance credit credibility.
• Brazil Increases Coral Reef Conservation Funding → The Brazilian Development Bank has allocated an additional $8 million to coral reef restoration efforts, signaling a growing role for public finance in biodiversity protection.
• Green Corridor Project Faces Indigenous Backlash → The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Green Corridor initiative—designed to protect 540,000 km² of tropical forest—is facing criticism for failing to include Indigenous Peoples and local communities in decision-making.
• UK Nature Restoration Fund Faces Scrutiny → Conservation experts warn that the UK’s Nature Restoration Fund could have unintended negative consequences for biodiversity.
• EU Seeks Standardized Biodiversity Metrics → New methodologies for measuring biodiversity in wetlands and forests aim to strengthen credit credibility and market confidence.

Trend Watch.

Key shifts in biodiversity credits, nature tech, and nature-net zero integration.

Nature Tech: Investments continue to fuel growth.

Technological advancements continue to expand the role of nature-based carbon removal.

• Farm-to-Forest Carbon Removal Gains Investment → Chestnut raised $160M to expand its farm-to-forest carbon removal initiatives, highlighting the growing market for nature-based carbon sequestration.
• Direct Ocean Carbon Capture (DOC) in Development → Captura is conducting regional-scale testing to quantify the impact of direct ocean capture (DOC) systems, aiming to remove 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Quick Hits

Quick updates on policy, investment, and people to have on your radar.

• Brazil Cracks Down on Illegal Logging → Environmental authorities launched a major operation in the Amazon, seizing over 5,000 truckloads of illegally harvested timber.
• Peatlands: A Carbon Time Bomb → A study warns that only 17% of global peatlands are protected, despite their crucial role in carbon storage.
• High-Income Countries Are ‘Exporting Extinction’ → A new report from the World Economic Forum highlights how wealthy nations drive biodiversity loss in developing countries by importing high-impact commodities like beef, palm oil, and timber.
• South Africa’s Rooibos Tea Industry Showcases Sustainable Farming → The sector is integrating sustainable agricultural practices to protect endangered species and restore degraded landscapes.

Your Take?

What matters most to your business? What do you want to see next?

📩 Reach out at hello@wildsight.co and let us know.

Your take will shape what we cover next.