Launch of new programme to boost investment in nature in Cornwall
An innovative new programme to attract private investment into nature recovery projects is being launched by Cornwall Council.
The Local Investment in Nature Cornwall (LINC) programme showcases investment-ready natural capital initiatives to potential investors, buyers and funders from across the world.
It gives businesses the chance to fund or invest in the environment and help fulfil their commitment to supporting nature in Cornwall.
Landowners with a natural capital project which needs funding will be matched to the investors via a new platform, LINC: Cornwall’s Natural Capital Exchange.
The initiative is among the first natural capital exchange programmes of its kind in Europe.
Investors can choose from a range of bold and innovative nature projects including large-scale tree-planting, wildflower meadows creation, restoration of seagrass beds and rivers and new wildlife habitats in urban areas.
As well as meeting the investor’s environmental targets these nature-based solutions can help lock up carbon emissions and contribute to tackling climate change as well as providing natural flood management, improved water quality and nature recovery.
The projects will also help meet ambitious targets in the council’s Environmental Growth Strategy and emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy aiming to ensure 30% of our land, rivers and sea are well managed for nature by 2030.
Cllr Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, said: “Cornwall is world-renowned for its environment and natural resources and we have traded for decades on its rich natural beauty. However, we know that nature is facing more and more threats and as a council we have recognised that by declaring both ecological and climate emergencies.
“Nature in Cornwall needs our help and it is going to need funding from both public and private sector to turn things around and offer a great environment for all.
“The Local Investment in Nature Cornwall (LINC) programme is a key tool to increase funding and investment to deliver on local priorities. Investment in natural capital not only helps to raise the value and appreciation of the environment in people’s eyes. It also helps create a multiplier effect by growing natural capital.
“We hope that this new platform will help to attract all types of funders and investors to not only invest in Cornwall but to help meet their own environmental targets and goals. It will also help our local farmers, landowners and organisations to showcase projects that need to attract funding.”
More examples of the types of natural capital projects seeking investment are:
- Species reintroduction, e.g. water voles, beavers, wild cats etc.
- Planting for pollinators.
- Seagrass recovery.
- Regenerative farming.
- Protection for invertebrates.
- Floodplain and river restoration.
- Cornish hedge restoration.
To browse more projects check out: www.linc-cornwall.com
The programme is part of a national, two-year Local Investment in Natural Capital pilot funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The pilot is helping four local authorities to develop frameworks for increasing private funding for nature.
Read more here.
We hope that this new platform will help to attract all types of funders and investors to not only invest in Cornwall but to help meet their own environmental targets and goals.
