Nature tech: A nascent ecosystem

This report presents Version 4 of handprint’s Nature Tech Ecosystem (NTE) Map, which identifies organisations contributing to regenerative economic systems and environmental restoration. The map visualises the landscape of actors supporting nature-based solutions and highlights how technology, finance and governance interact to support sustainability transitions.

Version 4 expands the ecosystem with 62 new organisations and introduces three additional categories: Paradigm Shifters, Regulatory and Compliance, and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES). These additions reflect the evolving nature-tech landscape and the growing number of actors shaping environmental regeneration and sustainable economic models.

The map organises participants into three layers—Frontliners, Builders and Enablers—representing different functions within the ecosystem and illustrating how these groups interact to support environmental impact initiatives.

The three new categories

Version 4 introduces three categories that highlight emerging functions within the nature-tech ecosystem.

Paradigm Shifters represent individuals or organisations that challenge established norms and introduce new frameworks for addressing environmental challenges. Through innovative ideas, advocacy and influence, they contribute to systemic transformation and promote new practices that support environmental regeneration and responsible economic activity.

Regulatory and Compliance organisations primarily focus on governance and legal adherence. While their core function is ensuring regulatory compliance, their work indirectly supports environmental and social outcomes by promoting transparency, accountability and ethical practices. Strong regulatory frameworks also help standardise sustainable business practices and strengthen trust among stakeholders.

Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) refers to mechanisms that facilitate financial compensation for environmental stewardship. PES organisations identify ecosystem services, negotiate agreements between beneficiaries and stewards, and monitor implementation to ensure conservation outcomes. These mechanisms link environmental value to financial incentives and support the long-term protection of natural systems.

Inner layer: Frontliners

Frontliners represent organisations directly engaged in environmental and social regeneration. These actors are typically non-governmental organisations, charities, non-profits and social enterprises that work on the ground to restore ecosystems and implement conservation initiatives.

The report emphasises that these organisations often receive limited recognition despite playing a central role in environmental restoration. There are thousands of such organisations globally, and the NTE map highlights a subset of them rather than attempting to capture the entire universe. Their work forms the operational foundation of the ecosystem, translating sustainability goals into practical projects and measurable outcomes.

Middle layer: Builders

The middle layer contains for-profit companies and tools that enable the transition to more sustainable and environmentally responsible economic systems. These organisations develop technological solutions, platforms and services that support environmental monitoring, data collection, sustainability reporting and nature-based investment opportunities.

Builders often operate in close collaboration with organisations in the outer layer of the ecosystem. Financial, technological and strategic support from Enablers allows Builders to develop solutions that support climate action, biodiversity protection and regenerative economic models. Their activities help scale environmental initiatives and integrate sustainability into business operations.

Outer layer: Enablers

Enablers sit on the outer layer of the ecosystem and provide the resources required for Builders and Frontliners to operate effectively. These organisations contribute ideas, funding, expertise, visibility and strategic support that help advance nature-tech innovation.

Examples include accelerators, venture builders, growth-capital providers, media platforms and pledge aggregators. By supplying capital, knowledge and networks, Enablers strengthen the broader ecosystem and help scale initiatives that support environmental regeneration and sustainable economic transformation.

Together, the three layers illustrate how a diverse set of actors—from grassroots organisations to investors and regulatory institutions—collectively contribute to building a regenerative economy and advancing nature-based solutions.