The Restoration Capital Toolbox initiative builds and tests an approach based on research and case studies of tools from community development finance, conservation finance and related sectors, in combination with a suite of other financing approaches. The intended outcome is to enable the efficient deployment of capital into Nature-based solutions (NbS) to address the systemic disconnect between the project pipeline and financing opportunities.

The Toolbox will identify and illuminate multiple layers and types of capital that contribute to the implementation of projects that pave the way for economic and community development. These include investment in technical assistance, catalytic capital such as philanthropic grants and loan guarantees, and impact investment. By shedding light on these, the new mechanism can streamline access to integrated capital for NbS and Natural Climate Solutions (NCS).  The work will also demonstrate how investment in nature-based solutions can build ecological resilience through carbon storage and removal that is paramount to slowing the rate of climate change; and community resilience through job creation, the valuing of ecosystem services, the diversification of revenue streams and other benefits

Our goals are to:

• Develop a clear blueprint for a set of financial tools capable of unlocking and deploying capital for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that address climate change
• Identify gaps in the current system and produce research to inform tool selection, design, and early testing
• Explore early-stage pipeline projects across VCI’s network for future prototyping
• Build consensus among convening participants and advisors on what the Toolbox should include
• Integrate land steward and producer perspectives through ongoing engagement with Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE) and other partners.