Palladium is now a member of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA). Established in 2020 by the UK’s King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales), the Alliance aims to accelerate the transition to a circular bioeconomy that is climate neutral, inclusive, and prospers in harmony with nature.

In the last 50 years, the biosphere upon which humanity depends has been changed drastically. Current economic models, which are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, put not only the planet at risk but global economies. A shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy is not only a critical factor in the fight against climate change – it’s necessary if global economies are to become more sustainable.

And according to CBA, those sustainable economies must be based on a successful circular bioeconomy, which in turn relies on healthy and resilient ecosystems. It aims to provide wellbeing for all through the provision of ecosystem services and the sustainable management of biological resources, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Critically, the alliance is building a global network of ‘living labs.’ These restoration projects around the world are used as the jumping off point to develop circular bioeconomy value chains while at the same time restoring biodiversity and supporting local livelihoods.

“Joining the CBA gives Palladium the opportunity to bring our experience to this global alliance,” says Palladium CEO Christopher Hirst. “The most prominent multinationals and advanced investors want to support business models that protect and restore nature, and we’re proud to be able to continue this work alongside the CBA’s impressive and growing network.”

According to CBA, a circular bioeconomy offers a conceptual framework for using renewable natural capital to transform and manage land, food, health, and industrial systems as well as cities, as a sustainable alternative to the current ‘business as usual’. Putting forward a new economic model will require transformative policies, purposeful innovation, access to finance, risk-taking capacity, and new and sustainable business models and markets.

The bottom line is that this transformation requires not just governments and NGOs, but the private sector, and CBA’s list of members is leading the charge. Palladium joins an impressive list of companies, investors, research organisations, and NGOs providing expertise and implementing projects in areas related to the circular bioeconomy, including World Agroforestry, luxury brand LVMH, World Economic Forum, skin care company Chantecaille, International Rescue Committee, and UNIDO.

“Not only is it an important alliance to join, but we have a lot to offer CBA and the other member organisations,” explains Jose Maria Ortiz, Palladium Managing Director. “Our priorities are aligned and our work around the world restoring nature at scale is proof that we’re working alongside CBA and towards the same goals.”

CBA’s work is yet another example of the growing momentum and support around nature-based solutions and the increased focus on biodiversity and the role it has to play in the global fight against climate change. “Our vision is a world where nature and ecosystems are transformed into a healthy state, and markets are reoriented to value natural capital and incentivise its long-term restoration,” adds Ortiz.

“It’s a vision we share with CBA and their work catalysing investments into circular bioeconomy projects and we look forward to finding ways to partner with the Alliance and member organisations in the future.”

For more information, contact info@thepalladiumgroup.com.