Nature Advisory, Biodiversity and Natural Capital

How we help Clients we support Projects Experts

Nature has intrinsic value and underpins climate regulation, human health, social wellbeing and economic resilience. Human and natural systems are interdependent, and biodiversity loss poses material risks for organizations across all sectors.

We support clients in understanding, managing and enhancing biodiversity and natural capital, helping them integrate nature into strategic decision-making, operations, supply chains and long-term resilience planning.

How we can help

Multidisciplinary experts, working across every sector

As a multidisciplinary consultancy, we develop solutions and strategies that address our clients’ wider objectives across the built and natural environments. Our specialists in ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem services help to enhance ecological value at every project stage, from initial conception and approvals, through detailed design to construction, development and ongoing operations, as well as site closure and rehabilitation.

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Natural capital and nature markets

By accounting for natural capital, the benefits nature provides to society and the economy, organizations can better understand risk, value and opportunity. We help quantify the economic implications of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, and supports clients engaging with emerging nature markets and identification of where nature can help solve issues around risk and resilience.

Biodiversity solutions to enhance habitats and restore ecosystems

Our ecology experts work directly in the field too. We design solutions to address biodiversity loss that restore habitat integrity and regenerate degraded ecological systems, for long-term recovery and resilience.

Our teams also carry out species inventories, habitat mapping and monitoring, wildlife connectivity assessments and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments. As global leaders in biodiversity impact assessments, we are involved in developing industry standards on biodiversity net gain (BNG), as well as metrics, guidelines and tools to support ecosystem planning and restoration.

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A strategic approach to biodiversity and ecosystem services

We support organizations to incorporate biodiversity and natural capital into environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies, and to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We provide strategic advice and guidance on public reporting that integrates financial and ecological performance data, supporting clients with their reporting commitments under frameworks such as the TNFD, GRI, CDP and CSRD.

Our expert consultants deliver in-house training, capacity building, customized toolkits (e.g. Nature Tool) and thought leadership through partnerships and applied R&D. We are passionately committed to helping organizations understand the opportunities and challenges that natural capital presents and the benefits that valuing nature can bring for businesses, communities and the biosphere on which we all depend.

Nature-based solutions for the built environment

The natural environment provides individuals, local communities and wider society with numerous “ecosystem services” and amenities, such as stormwater management, recreation, and clean air and water.

Our biodiversity consultants develop nature-based solutions and green infrastructure that support ecosystem function by integrating biodiversity into the fabric of the built environment - for example, by introducing constructed wetlands, vegetated roofs, living shorelines, wildlife corridors or Future Ready® landscapes. Nature-based solutions are essential to meeting decarbonization commitments and achieving net zero.

Clients we support

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Mining, Resources & Industry

Advance your projects with speed and confidence while meeting regulatory requirements and achieving ESG objectives.

Navigate mounting regulatory pressure with confidence using science and data-based solutions

Permitting requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, and mining, oil and gas, and other resource extraction companies must be proactive in order to meet evolving regulatory standards and stakeholder expectations. By integrating nature-based mitigation frameworks, solutions and metrics, they can demonstrate an understanding of project risks, and a commitment to maintaining biodiversity and community wellbeing.

WSP’s biodiversity specialists and ESG advisors support our clients to:

Determine project feasibility and advise on design
Identify impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities associated with this sector’s nature interface
Understand potential impacts on biodiversity, and adapt programs to mitigate them
Develop biodiversity offsets, where impacts cannot be otherwise mitigated
Monitor and evaluate biodiversity
Manage budgets and programs
Manage stakeholder relations and engagement
Join up on-the-ground interventions with corporate level strategy and direction on Nature Positive.
Design and implement Nature based solutions to mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity and discover potential for positive impacts

Investors & Private Equity Firms

Make informed, science-based decisions to reduce investment risk and identify opportunities.

Understand how your activities impact biodiversity, and how biodiversity loss could impact your investments

Around the world, pressure is growing on financial institutions to understand and disclose their nature-related risks and the impacts of their investments on biodiversity. Only by using science-based data can they obtain a clear picture and develop effective programs to avoid, minimize, rehabilitate, and/or offset biodiversity loss or ecosystem degradation.

WSP’s biodiversity specialists and ESG advisors support our clients to:

Understand investment risks, feasibility and return on investment
Assess their dependencies and impacts on biodiversity
Carry out due diligence against regional and global standards
Benchmark and report on the biodiversity performance of operations and investments
Identify natural capital metrics to aid decision-making
Leverage performance benchmarks to enhance market performance
Manage stakeholder relations and engagement
Develop and implement strategies for portfolio optimization and contributing to Nature positive outcomes

Forestry & Agriculture

Take a proactive approach to meet stakeholder expectations and stay ahead in a fast-evolving landscape

Meet stakeholder expectations and stay ahead in a fast-evolving field

Climate change, biosphere degradation and rapid biodiversity loss are driving greater scrutiny of the forestry and agriculture industries, and increasing pressure to avoid and mitigate impacts. As standards and guidelines evolve, companies can demonstrate leadership and capture long-term value by proactively adopting nature-positive solutions.

WSP’s biodiversity specialists and ESG advisors support our clients to:

Identify, measure and understand how their operations impact biodiversity
Identify impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities associated with this sector’s nature interface
Quantify natural capital to aid decision-making
Design and implement science-based solutions for alternative land management approaches
Develop and implement strategies that contribute towards nature-positive outcomes
Develop and implement conservation and restoration programs
Develop biodiversity offsets, where impacts cannot be otherwise mitigated
Manage stakeholder relations and engagement
Design and implement Nature based solutions to mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity and discover potential for positive impacts

Energy Providers & Utilities

Meet project goals with science-based solutions to deliver rapid expansion and achieve positive outcomes for nature.

Science-based strategies for meeting increasing demand, without harming biodiversity and ecosystems

Growing demand for renewable energy must be met with minimal impact on biodiversity and the natural environment. By taking a strategic, science-based and data-driven approach, energy and utility companies can meet project goals and societal needs, while protecting ecosystem services and worker safety.

WSP’s biodiversity specialists and ESG advisors support our clients to:

Understand project risks and feasibility
Leverage data to optimize projects and make informed decisions
Identify impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities associated with this sector’s nature interface
Design and implement nature-based solutions to mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity and discover potential for positive impacts
Implement conservation and restoration programs
Develop biodiversity offsets, where impacts cannot be otherwise mitigated
Manage stakeholder relations and engagement
Develop and implement strategies that contribute towards nature-positive outcomes.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Streamline infrastructure projects and achieve positive environmental impacts and sustainable development for long-term success.

Meet regulatory requirements and foster sustainable growth

Navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance in transport and infrastructure projects is paramount, and as the demand for sustainable and ESG-aligned initiatives grows, so does the scrutiny of project permitting processes. Transport and infrastructure projects must adopt a proactive stance, ensuring they not only meet but exceed evolving regulatory standards and stakeholder expectations. This includes a thorough understanding of risk management, a commitment to preserving nature and the welfare of local communities.

WSP’s diverse team of biodiversity specialists and ESG advisors help clients:

Determine project feasibility and advise on project design
Meet regulatory requirements
Evaluate potential impacts on biodiversity and integrate natural capital considerations into decision-making
Utilize data from studies and assessments to inform business decisions
Develop and implement strategies that contribute towards nature-positive outcomes
Establish programs to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance ecosystem health
Execute conservation, restoration, and biodiversity offset initiatives where necessary
Monitor and assess biodiversity metrics
Manage project costs and timelines effectively
Manage stakeholder relations and engagement
Design and implement Nature based solutions to mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity and discover potential for positive impacts

Related projects

Ontario, Canada

Port Lands Flood Protection

The Port Lands Flood Protection project has re-naturalized the Don Valley River to safeguard Downtown Toronto from increasing risks of flood, help spur economic growth and strengthen biodiversity.

Apalachicola Bay, Florida, USA

Franklin-98 Living Shorelines

Using nature-based solutions and habitat restoration to build coastal resilience and protects critical infrastructure.

Florida, United States

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

WSP USA works with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to balance water supply and ecosystem restoration in the Everglades, to sustain this natural wonder for future generations.

St. Philemon, Quebec, Canada

Saint Philemon Windfarm

Developing a wind farm is a challenging venture. The developer needs to be supported by a specialist at every stage of the project. In addition to undertaking comprehensive engineering activities, WSP managed construction of a windfarm in Saint-Philémon, a mountainous region in Quebec. We also assisted the client in procurement activities. Having worked in this area previously with other clients, we had an excellent knowledge of this site.

Warsaw, Poland

Historic garden goes green

Ulrich Gardens is a historic complex located in Warsaw's Wola district, near the Wola Park shopping center. The Sustainable Development Team of WSP in Poland was responsible for certifying three buildings located in the park, which is currently owned by Wola Park (Ingka Centres). The main goal of the project was to restore the park's significant role for the local community while maintaining sustainable development values.

Finding Offsets to Help Manage Biodiversity at Curragh Mine

Queensland, Australia

Biodiversity Offset Strategy for Curragh Extension

Helping to protect and manage the long-term viability and biodiversity of the area.

Helsinki, Finland

The BAU scenario of Helsinki's emissions by 2050

WSP prepared an emissions scenario for the city of Helsinki to support climate management. The calculation model produces an overall estimate of the different emission measurement categories and enables region-based comparisons.

Cape May, New Jersey, USA

Higbee Beach Tidal Wetland Restoration

The restoration of several hundred acres of marsh into a greenway provides habitat for migratory species, and supports maritime and early successional forest, as well as a public access network.

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Espoo, Finland

Calculation of the carbon balance of Sipoo's community structure

We prepared a report for Sipoo municipality on the emissions and carbon sinks of the community structure, as part of the general plan’s climate impact assessment. Based on the survey, a carbon balance calculation was carried out, which can also be used as a tool moving forward.

Florida, United States

Stormwater Management in the Everglades

The C-44 Reservoir/Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) covers roughly 6,300 acres in Central and South Florida. The massive, groundbreaking project implemented by South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is a critical part of a long-term plan to restore, protect and preserve the water and natural resources of one of the most unique environments on earth.

Italy

Enabling the Adoption of Circular Economy Principles at a Biofuel Refinery

With three billion new consumers expected to enter the global market by 2030, demanding goods and services, the linear model of our industrial economy (take, make, waste) is not sustainable. The notion of a circular economy — where resources, waste and emissions are minimized by closing or narrowing energy and material usage loops — is gaining momentum in many sectors including manufacturing, oil & gas, and energy.

Projects

Tuusula's climate program and greenhouse gas calculation

In a development project financed with the support of the Ministry of the Environment in Finland, WSP prepared a greenhouse gas emission calculation for Tuusula. Together with the municipality's experts, WSP worked on a climate program that meets the obligations of the revised Climate Act.

Meet our experts

Our global team includes specialists from an array of disciplines, including ecologists, biologists, geographers, economists, landscape architects and environmental scientists. Contact an expert in your region to find out more.