Understanding The Landscape

The challenge – the landscape of environmental projects

Environment Management has often been left to charities and the public sector to mitigate private actions – if private businesses and finance are seen (in general) as only encouraging environmental degradation, whilst NGOs and public bodies are seen as opposing this, then we end in a confrontational system. Instead, working together using natural capital approaches to build on existing regulation and legislation, we can work with the complexities of the worlds of the economy, society and environment.

The good news is that the perspective of many private sector bodies is shifting – not just because the risks around climate change, biodiversity loss and so on are becoming better understood, but also because people across society are taking responsibility for a better environment. Environmental NGOs, land managers and public sector bodies also have to adjust to new opportunities that are arising.

We are starting to have better data that is more easily shared that demonstrates the values (in pounds and pence as well as benefits) and we can bring people together who may not be aware that they are impacted by changes in the environment.

Download 'Emerging funding opportunities for the natural environment' report

“Working together using natural capital approaches to build on existing regulation and legislation, we can work with the complexities of the worlds of the economy, society and environment.”

What do I need to be aware of when working with others?

Environmental projects are usually run by eNGOs or small companies. Their point of view can be very different from the funding organisations. It is really important to see where each side is coming from so that you can work together better. The following sketches out some broad differences:

eNGO

Most day to day focus is working to meet a charity’s specific aims. Fundraising has to be for projects that meet these (e.g. for a species or particular location; or for biodiversity or education)
Often staff have background in ecology or related disciplines and have a vast technical knowledge of environments, ecosystems and how they function in different ways, but less training and experience in paperwork and fundraising.
Usually value the environment very highly, and can dislike having to justify this in economic terms.
Projects often don’t deliver results until 10–25 years
Project funding often £10k to <£1M

Business

Needs to show owners/shareholders that spending funds appropriately.
May have a wider range of CSR projects to choose from.
Appreciates the environment but not knowledgeable about details and specifics.
Very aware of risk management issues – both for the business’ own risks and for the risks involved in any project they invest in or fund.
Looks for returns to investment usually over 3–5 years.
Financial investments often in the multiple millions of pounds

Here are some overviews of the perspectives of both the environmental management sectors and the finance and funding sectors:

Why is funding the natural environment unique

Why environmental projects are often different from conventional investments.

‍Funding the natural environment

The world of Green business

Including corporate social responsibility, green finance and investment and environmental funding.