COMMUNITIES

A defining attribute of a Natural Asset Company is a requirement for equitable benefit sharing.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS: LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND GLOBAL

Creating a regenerative economy that works for all requires an alignment of interests. When the interests of the public and nature are aligned, natural assets can be a source of wealth creation, new job opportunities, and enduring economic growth. That’s why one of the defining attributes of a Natural Asset Company is an equitable benefit sharing requirement that articulates the NAC’s commitment for sharing benefits with communities. The goal is for communities that depend on nature to be stakeholders in the enterprise: not only beneficiaries from the improved quality and quantity of ecosystem services produced, but also owners and shareholders in the NAC.

Equitable benefit sharing requires the distribution of the NAC’s equity to communities that have ties to, and derive livelihood or cultural values from, the area under management. This structure ensures that communities have an ongoing stake in the conservation and restoration of the area under management, and will benefit alongside natural asset owners and investors.

The NAC value proposition for communities includes opportunities to:

  • Conserve and restore the intrinsic and productive value of critical natural assets

  • Receive NAC shares as part of a transparent and equitable benefit-sharing plan

  • Build greater resilience through improved natural infrastructure

  • Drive economic growth in line with environmental and social values

  • Create employment opportunities tied to NAC operations, management, and investment