The destruction of ecosystems has led to a more than 70% drop in the average size of the wildlife population and about a million species of animals and plants being threatened with extinction. Picture: 123RF/NATTHAPRAPHANIN JUNTRAKUL
This destruction of ecosystems has led to a more than 70% drop in the average size of the wildlife population and about a million species of both animals and plants being threatened with extinction over the coming decades to centuries, the report reads. Few dispute the moral logic of doing so. Protecting nature makes the planet more resilient to environmental shocks and negative changes.
One of those businesses that have created a potential win-win for nature and investors is Lombard Odier Group, the Swiss wealth and asset manager that recently opened an office in SA. The new venture — Natural Capital — aims to raise up to $10bn by 2022, targeting investments from institutional investors — including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and insurers — into natural capital investments.