Work performed and overall achievements to month 18 include:
(1) Conceptual framing, integration, synthesis and engagement.
A-Track has adopted a Conceptual Framework (CF) which unites other relevant frameworks, concepts, models, initiatives and approaches supporting acceleration of nature-positive action across the private and public sectors. A-Track has also elaborated a Theory of Change (ToC) to help optimise project outcomes and impact. A-Track integrates workstreams on nature information, footprinting, natural capital assessment and accounting, business models and finance. We are engaging with businesses, financial institutions and governments, relevant communities of practice, and related initiatives such TNFD, Business for Nature and related Horizon Europe projects.
(2) Nature information pathways
A-Track has published an assessment of nature data and information needs of businesses, financial institutions and governments, developed a simplified nature information pathway, harmonised concepts from the fields of natural capital accounting (NCA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), and recommended methods for nature-related impact and dependency variables. We have started pilots on the use of public data by a mining sector business, and for biodiversity and ecosystem services footprinting.
(3) Biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) footprinting
A-Track has developed a framework to analyse the BES Footprint of products and organizations from a value chain perspective, including integration of NCA and LCA approaches. We are engaging widely on this with relevant stakeholders including the EC’s PEF Technical Advisory Board. We are working on operationalising the BES Footprint, identifying key aspects for its calculation and data requirements and availability.
(4) Natural capital assessment and accounting (NCAA) in businesses
A-Track has published an assessment of business needs in relation to NCAA. We are developing an Embed Nature programme which provides primers, case studies, and training to help companies take up NCAA in key decision-making contexts: location-focused decision-making; nature in product & service design; nature on the balance sheet; and nature-aligned business models. We have already developed a number of related case studies and a first primer on location-focused decision-making. A complementary Onboard Nature programme provides resources for businesses starting out on their ‘nature journey’. We have also published a handbook on the use of spatial nature data for screening and characterisation of locations. Training sessions are in preparation.
(5) Business models that contribute to nature positive outcomes
A-Track has identified relevant business model archetypes, with a report launched at the CBD COP16 in November 2024. Work is ongoing to further test and refine these archetypes, with planning for a series of round tables in Autumn 2025. We have started work on a nature-focused ‘innovation accelerator’ to understand how business model innovation might address key supply chain barriers in delivering a business’s nature goals.
(6) Scaling finance that contributes to nature positive outcomes
A-Track has published an assessment of why finance is not allocated to natural capital-related business activities at scale. This highlights the role of private commercial capital in addressing nature loss and the need to redirect flows of nature negative finance and scale up nature positive finance. The report reviews the range of financial instruments used for nature finance and sets out the barriers to scaling these. Emphasis is placed on the need to green mainstream finance, to enhance understanding of risks and returns involved in nature finance, and the need for robust, informative data, and knowledge and skills to utilise them. A-Track has also published a primer which demonstrates how ‘greening finance’ can already be implemented at scale using existing tools.
