CivTech Challenge 8.3

A Nature Network connects areas of land and freshwater that are important for nature, including protected areas and restoration projects, by enhancing and developing corridors and stepping-stones between them to allow habitats and species that rely on them to thrive. An effective Nature Network is an essential tool to reverse biodiversity declines. In Scotland Nature Networks will address local priorities for nature, ensure connectivity and restoration across landscapes, and support urban-rural connectivity. Local authorities local development plans will facilitate the creation of Nature Networks and continue to strengthen the connections between them.

CivTech Challenge 8.4

In common with other coastal nations across the globe, a huge part of Scotland’s Natural Capital, and our opportunities to develop nature based solutions to help meet net-zero goals and support wider biodiversity, is located within the marine environment. However decision makers both in Scotland and further afield, lack the information required to identify the optimum locations for projects to invest in. We will invest in the development of new technologies that will support decision makers in the identification of optimum locations for marine Natural Capital projects as well help estimate and monitor their impacts.

So, how can technology help us better assess and identify projects and opportunities that will improve and increase investment in Scotland’s marine natural capital?

The Solution

EcoUplift is a platform that supports those with a stake in nature to understand the opportunities for and make informed decisions about nature protection and recovery in the places that matter to them the most. EcoUplift champions data and collaboration to empower local authorities, communities, landowner and managers, and private companies to contribute to nature recovery in Scotland and across the UK in a meaningful way.

The Opportunity

The world is in a nature-climate crisis and our response to it is hampered by significant shortfalls in decision-grade information and funding. Launched as a SaaS platform in 2023 and already adopted by UK landowners, asset managers and developers, EcoUplift gives users the tools they need to make nature-positive land-use planning and management decisions.

Next Steps

Through 2023/24, we will build on EcoUplift’s existing natural capital accounting and scenario testing functionality to provide a greater range of insights to a greater number of users. New tools will include habitat connectivity maps and modelling, nature-based project optimisation, and a Co-Design Hub — a space for collaboration on nature projects.

The Team

As a quasi-start-up within a large organisation, the EcoUplift team benefits from high levels of agility but also the support of an extensive network of domain experts. Led by Ross Stewart, Digital Lead for AECOM’s Environment business, the EcoUplift team includes specialist in software development, data science, biodiversity, and natural capital.