The Office for Investment (OfI), in collaboration with the North Devon Biosphere, hosted a significant meeting in Bristol today. The event brought together investors, nature recovery projects, and local and national government officials to explore strategies for unlocking private capital for environmental initiatives. The gathering aimed to encourage innovative financing mechanisms, grow the market for nature-based investments, and help projects attract the necessary funding.
A recent report by the OfI highlighted that the UK’s natural capital and ecosystem services present a strategic investment opportunity. However, the market remains fragmented and immature, hindering large-scale capital attraction. To address this, the CEO of the OfI, the Mayor of the West of England, and Lloyds Banking Group hosted discussions on how public and private investment can accelerate nature recovery.
Parminder Kohli, CEO of the Office for Investment, stated, "There is a significant opportunity to unlock more private investment in nature. Our focus must be on helping promising nature recovery projects become investment-ready, while giving investors the confidence to deploy capital at scale." The OfI plans to continue working with market partners to remove barriers and connect capital with opportunities.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, emphasised the region's commitment to environmental protection and green jobs, noting that her £5 million Nature Fund will support these goals. She highlighted that nature recovery is central to the region's Growth Strategy, alongside housing and transport development.
Lloyds Banking Group reiterated its commitment to nature recovery, referencing its 'Built to Last' report on nature-based solutions. The bank supports the OfI and the West of England Combined Authority in fostering public-private partnerships to unlock nature finance.
Jamie Audsley, Director of the Western Forest, showcased the success of England’s first new national forest, made possible by government investment. He stressed the vital role of nature finance in expanding the forest and the importance of events like this in connecting investors and nature organisations.
