Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are defined by IUCN as “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits”.

Gold Standard is working with IUCN to develop certification for impact investors, blended finance vehicles and NBS project developers (cities, regions, individual project developers) that can identify the multiple positive impacts of NBS in terms of contributions to the sustainable development goals.

For more information about NbS certification, contact Giancarlo Raschio

As an NDC Partnership Implementing Partner, Gold Standard is working with the Government of Mongolia in the design of an integrated Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system, linked to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Article 6 mechanisms, and investor requirements, to support bankable climate projects with the potential to attract climate finance.

The EU is examining how to integrate sustainability considerations into its financial policy framework in order to mobilise finance for sustainable growth. In May 2018, the Commission adopted a package of measures implementing several key actions announced in its action plan on sustainable finance. The package includes:

1. Taxonomy - A proposal for a regulation to establish a unified classification system (or taxonomy) on what can be considered environmentally sustainable economic activities, to better channel investments into sustainable activities. 
2. Disclosure and duties - A regulation on disclosures relating to sustainable investment and sustainability risks, introduces obligations on institutional investors and asset managers to disclose how they integrate ESG factors in their risk processes.
3. Benchmarks - A regulation will create a new category of benchmarks, comprising low-carbon and positive carbon impact benchmarks, to help investors better understand the relative carbon impact of their investments
4. Sustainability Preferences (in consultation) – the inclusion of ESG considerations into the advice that investment firms and insurance distributors offer to their clients.

It is essential that EU investors are assured that investments supporting SDGs are also aligned with emerging and evolving regulation. Gold Standard ensures that all standards can also support EU sustainable finance regulation alignment.

For more information please contact Felicity Spors