Think ecosystem-centered
We can really accelerate on the SDGs, by following three principles:
1 Give a voice to the ecosystem
2 Measure, book, and value generated impact
3 Invest in impact
"Our problem is that we differentiate between a built and a natural environment. In reality, there's just ONE: the biosphere that supports all life on earth.”
Daniel Lipschits
1 Give a voice to the ecosystem
Biosfera’s methodology, Smart Ecosystem Engineering’ (SEE), turns an engineerd ecosystem into a "smart" system that controls itself, just like a natural ecosystem. SEE maps the entire ecosystem: the interdependent and interactive assets, services and actors that collectively generate, add, use, destroy and exchange value.
3 Invest in impact
"The loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems leads to risks and offers opportunities. There is a need for companies that quantify and value its impact on biodiversity and ecosystems, to manage risks and opportunities and to enable a better future for all. "
(The Advisory Board of The Economics of Ecosystems & Biodiversity, TEEB)
We develope TUPIX®: an automated, reliable and real-time monitoring & management system. With this piece of groundbreaking technology, the environmental impact in ecosystems can be real-time measured, booked, rated and be paid for.
2 Measure, and value generated impact
With SEE, we make agreements within the ecosystem about where, how, by whom and when, "what" is measured to determine the impact of actors on the ecosystem. Agreements are also made about how positive and negative impacts are settled. Instead of assumptions about pollution, causes, appropriate measures and effects, we measure the actual impact on an ecosystem.
If the pollution of an industry diminishes and we know the amount by measurement, you can also say: this industry creates value for the ecological system. That value can be settled mutually. This creates a financial incentive for companies to act better than the norm.
What's holding us back?
# Compliance and enforcement of laws
Worldwide, governments have provided for research and legislation, a climate agreement has been signed and incentive programs have been started. For example: standards have been set for CO2 emissions and costs of pollution can be recovered from the polluter. In reality, however, settlement usually takes place on the basis of fixed rates rather than on the basis of actual pollution. Moreover, enforcing these laws is expensive and complicated.
# The complexity of ecosystems
Ecosystems appear to be very complex and it’s difficult to correctly indicate human influence. This leads to complex discussions about what appropriate measures are, for example, to combat climate change.
# Hidden impact
Moreover, when determining the contamination, often only the tip of the iceberg is visible; negative impact is often "hidden impact". The question is also, whether the global development goals will be achieved if industries only make efforts to comply with legal standards.
# Defective business model
Scientists, innovative companies and the creative industry see plenty of opportunities for technological innovation and other smart solutions that can make the environment cleaner and more sustainable. Insufficient incentives to really invest in a sustainable society, however, limit the outlets for these initiatives.
# Poor ways of evaluating
If we invest in a green approach, how do we value its effectiveness? We have little insight into this at the moment. Expensive reports are written manually afterward, with room for socially desirable outcomes. This way it remains unclear whether we are doing the right things.