Why Natural Capital?
Nature's Capital: The Green Gold of the 21st Century
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Natural capital is crucial for existence; global investment in nature-based solutions urgently needed.
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Nature provides vital ecosystem services ensuring health and wellbeing.
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Entities globally are developing strategies for nature-based solutions, facing scalability challenges.
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Insta Associates leads in bridging divides, fostering collaborations for green objectives.
The World Economic Forum has sounded the clarion call: to meet the looming challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, the global investment in nature-based solutions (NBS) must triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2050. But why this sudden emphasis on nature?
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Nature, it appears, is not merely a scenic luxury. It is the very bedrock of our existence, a veritable treasure trove of services that sustain life. From the tangible—clean air, potable water, nourishment, and raw materials—to the intangible—mental solace and cultural enrichment—nature's offerings, termed 'ecosystem services', are manifold. They are the silent sentinels ensuring our health, safety, and overall wellbeing. To put it succinctly, nature is not just part of our world; it is the world.
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Across the British Isles and beyond, a plethora of entities, ranging from environmental non-governmental organisations (e-NGOs) and B-corps to conventional for-profit firms, are meticulously crafting their NBS strategies. They are in the nascent stages of scaling up, with a burgeoning portfolio of projects seeking judicious investment and remuneration for ecosystem services. Yet, the road to large-scale adoption of NBS is fraught with challenges. The chasm between land custodians, developers, and both corporate and public sector purchasers is vast. The nascent nature of NBS as a 'technology' further complicates its scalability, making it imperative to streamline processes to ensure cost-effectiveness.
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Enter Insta Associates. This avant-garde firm is at the forefront of bridging this divide. By fostering NBS in proximity to public and private assets, they are enabling entities to achieve their green objectives. Their modus operandi? Collaborating with a diverse array of partners, from nature-centric charities and e-NGOs to B-corps and other profit-driven enterprises. This vast network, bolstered by ties with pivotal governmental agencies like DEFRA, the Environment Agency, GFI, CGFI, and Innovate UK, facilitates the creation of synergies. The result? Enhanced partnerships, cost reductions, and scalability, often achieved through cutting-edge technologies and novel financing mechanisms.
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In an era where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a dire necessity, the emphasis on nature-based solutions is both timely and crucial. As the world grapples with the twin challenges of environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities, it is heartening to see concerted efforts to harness the unparalleled power of nature. After all, in the words of the poet John Keats, "The poetry of the earth is never dead."
Why Aquaculture?
Aquaculture in the UK: A Sea of Opportunities
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UK aquaculture: addressing food crisis, promoting sustainability, and economic growth.
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Aquaculture experienced 600% growth from 1990-2020, meeting global food demands.
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UK's potential includes sustainable innovations and a growing seaweed industry.
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Collaboration ensures local job creation, food security, and reduced import dependence.
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The sea is crowded, those who ignore the needs of complex web of stakeholders risk delays and at worst the viability of their operations
The global table is groaning under the weight of a food crisis. As prices soar, British consumers are feeling the pinch. Climate change and biodiversity loss, as highlighted by both the UK government and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, are exacerbating food insecurity worldwide. By 2050, the world's appetite for food is projected to swell by 35% to 56% from its 2010 levels.
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Enter aquaculture. This burgeoning sector, which has seen a staggering 600% growth in output from 1990 to 2020, is the world's fastest expanding source of food. To satiate the planet's escalating demands, it must continue its upward trajectory. But it's not merely about quantity; quality matters. Aquaculture must champion regenerative practices, ensuring that ecosystems like wetlands and seagrass meadows to thrive.
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Britain, with its vast coastline and temperate climes, is poised to be a hub for aquaculture, particularly for finfish and shellfish. Yet, the waters are turbulent. The UK's coasts are bustling with wind farms, shipping routes, traditional fisheries, and a pressing need to conserve its dwindling marine biodiversity.
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However, the tide is turning. The Crown Estate is meticulously navigating these spatial challenges, while strides are being made in understanding marine biodiversity's role in sea-based industries. The UK government, recognising aquaculture's potential, is now considering supportive policies to ensure growth without compromising the environment.
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Britain's prowess in sustainable aquaculture innovation is noteworthy, if a little behind some of its European neighbours. From recirculating aquaculture systems to offshore farming techniques and sustainable feed, the UK is charting new waters. The seaweed industry, in particular, is burgeoning, it must now move from cottage industry to scale and make good on headline promises on economic returns but also a thriving marine ecosystem.
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Collaboration will be the linchpin. A harmonious co-development across industries – from wind farms to traditional fisheries – is imperative. The dividends? Job creation, especially in coastal and rural regions, and a shot in the arm for local economies. By bolstering aquaculture, the UK can fortify its food security, reducing dependence on imports and ensuring a steady flow of premium, home-grown seafood.
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In summary, pouring capital into UK aquaculture is not just a savvy investment move; it is a nod to sustainability, food security, and economic rejuvenation. Insta Associates, with its vanguard approach, is bridging stakeholders to sculpt a resilient and regenerative maritime economy for the future.
Why Geospatial Technology?
Geospatial Technology: Mapping the Future of Planetary Boundaries
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Geospatial Technology: Navigating environmental challenges, promoting sustainability, and driving informed institutional and business decisions.
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Geospatial technology has become indispensable in monitoring and managing Earth's health and economic assets.
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Its data-driven approach offers real-time insights into environmental changes and human impacts helping to build resilience.
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Harnessing this technology can lead to proactive interventions to increase performance, save money, and drive sustainable solutions
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Ignoring the insights from geospatial data risks uninformed decisions and exacerbating planetary boundaries.
The Earth stands at a critical juncture. Recent scientific assessments reveal that six out of nine "planetary boundaries" have been breached due to human activities. These boundaries, encompassing systems like climate, water, and biodiversity, are essential for maintaining a habitable planet.
Enter geospatial technology. This transformative tool provides real-time data on environmental parameters, from carbon levels to biodiversity health. Between 1990 and 2020, the reliance on geospatial data has surged, becoming a cornerstone for policymakers, economic actors, and society at large. But it's not just about data collection; it's about informed action. Geospatial insights can guide sustainable practices, ensuring ecosystems remain resilient.
With its vast potential, geospatial technology is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges. However, the landscape is complex. The world is grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing demands on natural resources.
Yet, there's hope on the horizon. By integrating this data into decision-making processes, there's an opportunity to drive growth without compromising the environment.
Insta Associates as strong track record connecting geospatial technology to real world problems, and is well-positioned to support your geospatial innovation and strategy. From satellite imaging to advanced sensors, we are exploring new frontiers, collaborating across sectors, from academia to industry. The rewards? Informed decision making across policy, companies and investments, and a brighter future for the planet.
In conclusion, investing in geospatial technology is not just a strategic move; it's a commitment to sustainability, informed decision-making, and a resilient future. As the world navigates the challenges of the Anthropocene, geospatial technology offers a beacon of hope, guiding the way towards a sustainable future.