Developing sustainable finance for UK nature-based solutions (NbS)

Descriptions

Background to Project The project will focus on enabling markets for ecosystem services in UK peatland, woodland, saltmarshes, kelp, seagrass and marine sediment habitats. The total aims of the project are listed below: A.Summarise the current scientific and economic evidence surrounding NbS in specific UK habitats; B.Review the markets for carbon, biodiversity, water quality and regulation, and coastal resilience in the UK; C.Understand how best to develop specific ecosystem markets, with particular emphasis on: a.Where ecosystem markets exist, the current challenges in making these markets function more efficiently, b.Where ecosystem markets don't exist, barriers to implementation and feasibility. c.The role of both economic and ecological risk and uncertainty in stimulating private investment in UK NbS. D.Improve the evidence base for private sector investment in UK green and blue habitat. The existing evidence which informs finance options (public or private) for nature-based solutions (NbS) in UK is insufficient. Often it is not clear which habitats and actions are capable of delivering those ecosystem services and benefits which are conducive to private finance, nor whether the condition of these habitats enables or hinders market participation. Hence, there is a need for a more comprehensive and standardised evidence base to ensure a level playing field for private investors across UK. A more comprehensive evidence base should inform a UK-wide strategy to stimulate private investment in NbS. This contract will contribute towards the overall aims of this project by addressing Sections B, C and D above. This will include a review of existing ecosystem markets in the UK (30%) and the identification of potential solutions that may increase the flow of investment, both public and private, towards the recovery of these habitats 70%. Next Steps If interested in this project potential bidders are invited to download the following documents and complete the acceptance form of our terms and conditions attached to the invitation to tender letter (ITT). •Invitation to Tender letter (ITT) - Proforma Form to be completed •Instructions for Tenderers (submission of bids) PS4a •Annex A •JNCC General terms and conditions •JNCC Quality Assurance Policy •T&S rates (if applicable to this contract) Timetable •Date for return of tender: Friday 14 January 2022 @ 16:00 hours •Proposed start date: 24 January 2022 •Proposed end date: 28 March 2022