NATURE Tool (NT) 1.1 is gaining increased traction in the UK with several organisations adopting it, or considering adopting it, as standard natural capital assessment and management tool. Since the first release of the NT in summer 2021, the tool has been tested and applied in a range of contexts and we received valuable feedback on its use and usability – many thanks! Based on testing and feedback received, we think that a major tool update is needed to make the NT ready for future challenges. We are therefore pleased to announce that we started developing NT2.0 with the aim of publishing it towards the end of 2024.
The aim of the project is to develop NT2.0 to enable the efficient yet robust assessment and management of natural capital impacts and to easily demonstrate net gains for the environment.
Essentially, NT2.0 will be more automated, more adaptable, easier to use and easier to interpret:
- More automated: NT2.0 will allow to directly import GIS data instead of having to transfer data manually.
- More adaptable: NT2.0 will be designed to allow better reflection of the local context and to include local stakeholder views. It will also be designed to allow easier adaptation of the model, such as for inclusion of more monetary valuation, for specific requirements of organisations and indeed for international adaptation.
- Easier to use: NT2.0 will built on and optimise features and functions that work well in NT1.1 and will remove elements that have proven to be less useful – making the model simpler and easier to use. It will also result in a smaller tool size.
- Easier to interpret: The model updates and slim-down will also make it easier to interpret results and to draw the right conclusions to inform decisions and design.
If you like to know more about the development of NT2.0, have ideas on how to improve the NT or indeed if you’d like to contribute to its development and would like to join the project steering group then please do get in touch by contacting the project manager oliver.hoelzinger@wsp.com.