A platform to connect market demand with the supply of NBS by organisations and enterprises, and to support the nature-based economy.



The initiative

Connecting Nature aims to position Europe as a global leader in the innovation and implementation of nature-based solutions. Connecting Nature is led by 29 stakeholders from local authorities, communities, industry partners, NGOs and academics in16 EU countries. This initiative is an Innovation Action funded by the H2020 Research and Innovation Programme of the EU. The overall coordinator is Trinity College Dublin.

Why do we need Nature Based Solutions?

Currently over 70% of Europe’s population live in cities, expected to increase to over 80% by the middle of the century. This translates to 36 million new urban citizens, who will need housing, employment and care by 2050 (EU). We are facing a broad range of challenges, such as unsustainable urbanization and related human health issues, degradation and loss of natural capital and the ecosystem services it provides (clean air, water and soil), climate change and an alarming increase of natural disaster risks. Working with nature can pave the way towards a more resource efficient, competitive and greener economy. It can help to create new jobs and economic growth, through the manufacture and delivery of new products and services, which enhance natural capital rather than deplete it.

Our contribution

Etifor is a new community ambassador for Sustainable Forestry on the Connecting Nature Enterprise Platform.

Cities contain a vast amount of trees growing in parks, boulevards, squares, schools, sports fields, highways and forests. Due to management issues, old trees that require removal are generally treated as waste. Over the last decade, public authorities, small businesses and community organisations in many cities have taken an interest in wood that is sourced from and near urban areas.

The Sustainable Forestry Ambassadors are forestry experts in that will help the team to reach businesses and organisations interested in this subject.

Find out more about our role on www.naturebasedenterprise.eu.