techUK’s National Nature Fund

Nature is one of the UK’s most important assets. Ecosystem services – the direct and indirect contributions ecosystems provide to human well-being and quality of life – underpin everything from food and health security, to the resilience of critical national infrastructure against natural disasters. The government’s own recent assessment explicitly links global ecosystem degradation and collapse as a key threat to UK national security and prosperity.

However, these essential systems have declined significantly in recent decades – notably, the UK is estimated to have lost half of its biodiversity since the Industrial Revolution, effects which compound to further weaken domestic resilience to climate change. This also presents a significant economic challenge, as ecosystem services are estimated to delivering more than £36 billion in economic benefits every year.

In recognition of this crisis, in 2022 196 countries – including the UK – agreed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by protecting 30% of land and sea, a commitment known as 30x30. This is no small feat – England alone needs to protect or restore an estimated additional 23.5 per cent or 3 million hectares of land. To make this possible, the UK needs to invest approximately £56 billion in nature projects, leveraging both public and private finance towards investment in a nature-positive future.

What is the National Nature Fund?

The National Nature Fund gives tech businesses a practical, credible way to support UK nature recovery. Created in partnership by techUK and Ecologi, the Fund connects members with a curated portfolio of high-integrity UK nature projects, making it easy to invest in measurable environmental impact.

Our ambition is to help mobilise 0.1% of the UK’s annual nature finance requirement, equivalent to £5.6 million per year, in support of the UK’s 30x30 target.

This is in no way linked to or a viable substitute for carbon offsetting, but rather an entry point for businesses to start or scale action on nature.

Why the tech sector?

The UK tech sector plays vital role in building the future economy. The digital platforms, tools and devices provided by our members are the foundation to delivering efficiency and growth – growth which will only be possible if underpinned by ecosystem services, as all businesses are fundamentally reliant upon nature and biodiversity, no matter where they sit within the value chain. techUK and our members are keenly aware of and engaged in discussing how, even as demand for digital infrastructure and tools increases, this development must be managed with environmental considerations in mind.

While accounting for carbon emissions is well-established, and net zero commitments are integrated into global business models, understanding reliance and impact on nature is still developing. Progress on developing standards and metrics is accelerating rapidly, but the tools which enable the collection and analysis of data are largely digital, meaning that the tech sector is the home of the skills and innovation needed to manage the global crisis.

Therefore, we are setting up the National Nature Fund to enable companies to either start on their nature journey, or contribute to projects that they know will help ensure our digitally-enabled future is also one which is physically healthy and resilient.

Which projects does the Fund support, and how are they selected?

The techUK National Nature Fund contains a portfolio of UK-based projects, including tree planting, peatland restoration, wildflowers and seagrass. These projects may change over time as initiatives are completed and our delivery partners' needs evolve.

Projects are curated by Ecologi using robust due diligence and impact criteria, with a focus on transparency, environmental integrity and measurable outcomes. All funded projects are assessed through Ecologi’s Nature Project Assessment Framework (NPAF) to ensure they meet high standards for quality and credibility.

Who can participate?

The fund is open to all members of techUK in any sector and of any sizes members of all sizes.

How can I get involved?

If you are a techUK member, log in to the member portal and you can access our guidance document on how the fund is structured.

If you are not a member, or have any questions please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected].

techUK - Committed to Climate Action

Visit our Climate Action Hub to learn more or to register for regular updates.

By 2030, digital technology can cut global emissions by 15%. Cloud computing, 5G, AI and IoT have the potential to support dramatic reductions in carbon emissions in sectors such as transport, agriculture, and manufacturing. techUK is working to foster the right policy framework and leadership so we can all play our part. For more information on how techUK can support you, please visit our Climate Action Hub and click ‘contact us’.