Sustainability
Nature
4 minutes
08/05/2024
Nature Recovery Blueprint
Foresight in Partnership with the Eden Project Launches Nature Recovery Blueprint
According to the World Economic Forum, over half of the world’s GDP – $44 trillion of economic value generation, is at moderate or severe risk due to nature depletion and a fifth of nature’s ecosystems are on the verge of collapse. In order to mitigate against these risks, the State of Finance for Nature report identified a total investment in nature of $8.1 trillion is required between now and 2050 to successfully tackle the interlinked climate, biodiversity and land degradation crises.
The purpose of the blueprint is to help guide land managers, developers, asset managers and operators to implement nature positive management practices that benefit all stakeholders, by:
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Defining and demonstrating the role of business in supporting nature recovery
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Giving greater visibility and access to existing nature positive initiatives currently being conducted nationwide
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Suggesting actions that will support nature recovery above and below ground, contribute to biodiversity and climate targets locally and nationally through:
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Identification of methodologies for monitoring, measuring and evaluating biodiversity
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Identification of transformative actions that will create opportunities to restore and improve nature
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Recommending actions which do not compromise the generation of renewable electricity
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Providing places for positive nature connection for local communities
Download the Nature Recovery Blueprint and watch the film.
“Partnering with the Eden Project, The Nature Recovery Blueprint illustrates the pivotal role businesses, like Foresight, play in enriching and revitalising biodiversity. The solar case study serves as a powerful example, demonstrating the interconnectedness between the energy transition, climate change and the harmonious coexistence of nature and progress.” – Lily Billings, Group Sustainability Lead, Foresight
Celebrating the launch of the Nature Recovery Blueprint, Foresight employees were joined by other organisations to take part in Natural England’s pioneering butterfly conservation project. Held at one of Foresight’s Cornish solar sites, the event brought together twenty individuals from public and private sectors to create vital habitats for the endangered Marsh Fritillary butterfly.
"The collaboration between Foresight, the National Wildflower Centre at the Eden Project, and Natural England showcases the power of partnership in driving meaningful conservation efforts. By working together, we can create tangible positive impacts for biodiversity and inspire others to take action. For example, we have propagated native species at Growing Point – Eden’s new geothermally-heated nursery, using seed collected by the National Wildflower Centre and we have used expertise from Natural England to identify the best strategic locations on land provided by Foresight " – Juliet Rose, Head of Development at the Eden Project
By planting over 600 Devil's-bit-Scabious (Succisa pratensis), the primary food source for the Marsh Fritillary, participants contributed to the establishment of much needed habitats that support our native butterflies. These timely interventions aim to address the impact of habitat fragmentation and help rebuild the metapopulation of this endangered species, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Marsh Fritillary Butterfly. Image courtesy of Giles San Martin
Butterflies serve as crucial bioindicators, reflecting the health of our environment through their rapid responses to ecological changes. The decline or resurgence of butterfly populations can signal broader shifts in ecosystem health, emphasising the urgency of conservation efforts.
"The Marsh Fritillary butterfly is a vital component of the Mid Cornwall Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest. Projects like this not only support endangered species but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of our ecosystems." – Cerin Poland, Lead Advisor at Natural England
The Nature Recovery Blueprint addresses the adoption of nature positive practices across renewable energy sites, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Foresight and the Eden Project. The expertise shared encompasses various aspects essential for ecological assessment and environmental management, providing valuable insights to support the renewables industry in tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis.
The Blueprint forms part of Foresight's Nature Recovery Ambition Statement, which demonstrates its forward-looking approach to nature recovery. The statement outlines exactly how Foresight aims to restore and improve natural assets while fostering economic prosperity. Through its ongoing partnership with the Eden Project and strategic initiatives such as these, our aim is to leave the land and those species that inhabit it in a better condition than when we found it.
"The manual empowers land managers to take practical steps, to enhance biodiversity and restore nature across their holdings. It is not a one size fits all when it comes to biodiversity. We hope the guidebook gives greater visibility and access to existing nature positive initiatives for our industry peers to use." – Ross Driver, Fund Manager, Foresight’s Solar Fund Limited (FSFL)
No one organisation and no one sector can do this alone. There is a requirement for collaboration, to combine skills and ideas to shape what the path to a nature-rich future will look like for future generations.
Find out more about Foresight's partnership with the Eden Project.
Download the pdf press release.
