Biodiversity pilot programme

Nefco’s Biodiversity Pilot Programme aims to test and develop concrete biodiversity solutions in collaboration with Nordic SMEs.

About the Biodiversity Pilot Programme

Protecting biodiversity helps maintain ecosystem services that businesses in different sectors depend on. Nefco’s Biodiversity Pilot Programme tests and develops concrete biodiversity solutions co-created with private sector companies. The pilot programme enables small and medium-sized companies to learn about the biodiversity-related risks and opportunities for their business and to test scalable solutions to address them.

Second pilot programme to start during 2025

Nefco is now looking to engage new pilot companies for the second pilot programme.

Read more and contact us

Final report

The report summarises key learnings and results from Nefco’s first Biodiversity Pilot Programme. Read more about the programme activities and key achievements of the pilot companies.

Read the report

Pilot companies and projects

During the first pilot programme, the participating companies took each a different approach on biodiversity management. Read more about the pilot projects and work plans to integrate biodiversity management into the companies’ operations.

BaltCap

BaltCap integrated biodiversity considerations in their investments processes, set specific biodiversity KPIs and assigned a focal person for biodiversity initiatives within the company.

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Klappir

The biodiversity data guide, developed during the pilot, helped Klappir give insights on the upcoming reporting disclosures, existing biodiversity datasets and tools.

Read more

Meriaura Energy

Meriaura developed a biodiversity concept for a solar park and built understanding on how to conserve biodiversity when designing a solar power park.

Read more

Norsepower

Norsepower created a Biodiversity Management Plan and an ambitious action plan, which will also contribute to establishing a group level ESG roadmap.

Read more

Pure Waste Textiles

Focusing on the production location in Tamil Nadu, India, Pure Waste Textiles initiated a series of biodiversity conservation actions related to water conservation and preservation of native flora and fauna with local co-operation.

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Sulapac

Sulapac built understanding of different impacts of its materials on biodiversity. The results will guide future investments.

Read more

Experiences of the pilot companies

See the video and read the report to see how the pilot companies benefitted from the programme.

Why is biodiversity important for companies?

Biological diversity is declining globally at a rate unprecedented in human history. More than half of global GDP is highly (or moderately) dependent on nature. Many businesses are dependent on nature and ecosystem services – rapid deterioration poses a significant risk. Activities that strengthen nature may strengthen resilience to sudden natural extremes and facilitate access to finance.

Who can join?

The pilot programme is open to Nefco’s client companies. Pilot companies for the second pilot programme will be selected soon and the programme is scheduled to commence during 2025.

What is included in the programme?

The Biodiversity Pilot Programme offers workshops, peer learning, facilitated sessions with seasoned specialists, and well-planned biodiversity actions suitable to each organisation’s size and needs. The participating companies will gain experience in biodiversity protection, develop a biodiversity management plan and take concrete steps to tackle biodiversity loss.

What does Nefco offer?

  • Capacity building: Expert knowledge on biodiversity shared during facilitated sessions and 3-4 high-quality workshops
  • Technical support and consulting services

What is expected from the participating companies?

  • Selected companies are expected to be committed to taking their biodiversity management to the next level and cooperate with Nefco throughout the programme
  • Resources (time and possibly some operating expenditure depending on the selected, tailored activities)
  • Reporting the results

What is the programme duration?

The programme is scheduled to commence during 2025 and the expected duration is approximately 1,5 years.

How is the programme funded?

The Biodiversity Pilot Programme is funded by the Nordic Environmental Development Fund (NMF), which currently receives contributions from the Nordic Council of Ministers. Nefco has managed the NMF fund on behalf of its member countries since 1996.


Contact

Katariina Vartiainen Senior Manager, Environment and Sustainability
Finnish, English

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