Natural Capital Hub at LJMU

🌿 Optimising Your Business Response to Environment & Climate 🌿 Yesterday in #Liverpool, we explored how businesses can find value in natural environment projects in the North West. The importance of nature for the success of Northern businesses and our economy is increasingly recognised. Did you know that half of global GDP is threatened by nature loss? In the UK, the impact is estimated at 12% of GDP – greater than COVID-19. So, what does this mean for businesses in Liverpool City Region? Organisations across the region are striving towards net zero, biodiversity stewardship, and creating better places for employees and customers. The region’s natural environment delivers wide-ranging benefits for businesses, including carbon removal, climate resilience, and biodiversity benefits. During yesterday’s event, it was clear there is a strong appetite for businesses to learn more about nature and their role in supporting it. It was fantastic to see participants come together, meet like-minded businesses from across the region, and hear how projects by The Mersey Forest and Lancashire Wildlife Trust are already delivering multiple benefits for communities, nature, and climate resilience with the support of businesses. We also looked at how the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (#NEIRF) is supporting innovation in bringing new private investment into projects. David Connor shared the work of the 2030hub who are championing adoption of the #SustainableDevelopmentGoals. We also heard from Allison McGuinness AMIEnvSc from Liverpool ONE, about their approach to the environment and investing in nature. Colm Bowe set the scene for why nature investment is key and highlighted the progress the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority led NEIRF project Investing in Nature in the LCR has achieved. Let's continue to champion nature and work together to integrate it into our business strategies for a sustainable future! 🌍 Ecosystems Knowledge Network Will McDonald Colm Bowe Roger Pearson Megan Kelsall Joanna Czernik Stephen Sykes FRSA LiRICS Natural Capital Hub at LJMU Liverpool John Moores University #Sustainability #ClimateAction #BusinessGrowth #NatureBasedSolutions #NetZero #Liverpool #NorthWestEngland #EnvironmentalStewardship

Great to work with partners to hold LiRICS first external event. We brought together business and NGO's keen to work together to invest and deliver nature recovery. Thanks to David Connor from the 2030hub for setting out how investment in nature aligns with wider sustainability goals and the SDGs. Great to hear from Allison McGuinness AMIEnvSc from the inspiring work being done by Liverpool ONE in creating amazing spaces to live, work, rest and play. LiRICS lead Dr Colm Bowe also flying the flag for Nature North set out the context of nature investment and highlighted progress made in developing habitat banks within Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and MEAS lead NEIRF project supported by Natural Capital Hub at LJMU mapping (Liverpool John Moores University). Roger Pearson from The Mersey Forest and Community Forest Trust and Megan Kelsall and Matthew Stewart did a great job of highlight exciting opportunities for investment. Great energy in the room from those in attendance including Stephanie Whittick Mich Bondesio Stephen Sykes FRSA Planit Anthony Chadwick, The Webinar Vet Anthony Chadwick, The Webinar Vet and many more. Brilliant chairing and comparing by Will McDonald. Great team effort to pull this event together at short notice - thanks to Ecosystems Knowledge Network Bruce Howard and Veronique Jasinski Steph Hepworth and Environment Agency NEIRF funding for making it happen! Excited for similar upcoming events from The Mersey Forest Joanna Czernik and Lancashire Wildlife Trust later in the year. The conversation on nature investment in the LCR is truly underway. #delieveringLNRS #NaturalCapital #NaturePositive #GreenEconomy

 🌳🐝 We are currently planning the next phase of our Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This phase includes mapping opportunities for a joined-up approach to support nature across the Liverpool City Region... and we need your input!   Have your say on where you think we could direct nature recovery by Sunday 21 July 👉 https://ow.ly/t9E850Se9Cr Halton Borough Council | Knowsley Council | Liverpool City Council | Sefton Council | St Helens Council | Wirral Council | NFU (National Farmers' Union)