Identification System for Nature Is Proposed
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation and other partners, is developing the concept of digital nature IDs as a digital public infrastructure. This initiative aims to create a transformative tool for accounting for the value of our planet's natural resources and contributions to humanity.
Digital nature IDs offer a promising solution to quantify relationships between human activities and natural ecosystems. They could pave the way for scaling results-based payment schemes, providing fair compensation to those who protect carbon-absorbing rainforests, mangroves, and other vital ecosystems.
The development of digital nature IDs is a whole-of-society effort, underpinned by the principles of inclusion and collaboration. It involves research and consultations with indigenous peoples, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The goal is to ensure that the digital Nature-ID becomes a public good supported by all stakeholder groups and developed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples and local communities.
The planetary crisis is driven not just by destruction and neglect, but also by economic systems' blindness to nature's value. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth and profit maximization by governments and companies fail to account for the vast ecosystems that sustain economies, societies, and personal well-being. A digital nature ID could help establish essential environmental metrics to account for the ecosystems supporting human development.
The collapse of critical ecosystem services, such as wild pollination and marine fisheries, could shrink global GDP by US$2.7 trillion annually by 2030, according to the World Bank. Digital nature IDs could enhance the traceability of raw materials in agricultural supply chains and empower land-rights holders by improving access to biodiversity credits, green bonds, and loans tied to sustainable stewardship.
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures is an initiative that provides financial institutions and corporations with tools to assess their dependence and impact on natural ecosystems. Digital nature IDs, as a part of this digital public infrastructure, could play a crucial role in this regard.
It is important to note that the views expressed in this context are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the funders or partners. The author's perspectives on digital nature IDs may not align with those of the funders or partners.
In conclusion, the development of digital nature IDs presents an exciting opportunity to address the planetary crisis by creating a more sustainable and equitable economic system. By accounting for the value of our planet's natural resources, we can ensure a future where both nature and humanity thrive.
