Part of the challenge is that private finance flows for nature, where they are taking place, are often directed towards nature based solutions which are not integrated into wider landscapes, thus missing a crucial piece of the puzzle for maximising impacts and scale. Landscape initiatives offer several advantages over traditional approaches: they build synergies by integrating restoration, conservation, and sustainable use practices across ecosystems; coordinate diverse project types; aggregate similar initiatives toward larger goals; and establish long-term governance frameworks to increase impact and reduce risks, including increased local ownership and control. Landscapes serve as the foundation for building resilient systems that deliver returns for people, economies, and nature. For private investors, landscapes offer structured, de-risked investment platforms that bundle multiple nature- positive interventions into scalable, governed, and geographically defined portfolios.

The report explores:

• What we mean by 'Critical Systems' and why they matter
• The role of landscapes in delivering nature-positive outcomes, including a set of guiding questions to help practitioners and investors identify 'high potential' landscapes for development and incubation
• How public, private and blended finance can align for systemic impact, and recommendations on financing pathways for the landscapes under consideration, appropriate for their maturity and investment readiness, based on lessons from real-world examples

If you’re working in sustainable finance, policy, or nature-based solutions, this report is for you.