Developed under the NetworkNature’s Task Force 3: Finance and Business Models for Nature-based Solutions, the report on “Policy Imperatives for a Competitive and Resilient Nature-Positive Economy” has been recently published by the European Commission.

This publication brings together insights from 45 EU-funded research and innovation projects and charts a path toward a nature-positive economy, one where economic activity contributes to an absolute increase in nature, aligning environmental, economic and societal objectives. The report emphasises that nature loss is not only an environmental threat but also a systemic economic and financial risk, as more than two-thirds of the EU’s Gross Value Added is dependent on nature, and 75 % of euro-area bank loans are linked to companies reliant on ecosystem services.

REST‑COAST is among the contributing research initiatives, outlining how NbS interventions can be effectively financed and integrated within the nature-positive economy framework. The contribution to this policy-focused output from REST-COAST brings successful business models and financial models that deliver coastal-ecosystem restoration at scale (wetlands, dunes, seagrass beds), increasing resilience, improving ecosystem services and transforming governance for coastal adaptation. Available in Chapter 3 of the report, readers can further explore the project’s contribution to this vital document. 

As the document showcases the immediate need to reinforce the importance of connecting ecosystem restoration, green finance and business model innovation, it also advocates for collaboration and integrative action, through which transition to a nature-positive economy where ecosystems and people thrive can be achieved.