The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), working with WWF-US and partners, is developing approaches to embed nature-positive principles into transport infrastructure procurement.
Governments and development banks invest billions of dollars in transport and other large-scale infrastructure each year, with up to 4.7 million km of new roads and a quadrupling of port areas are anticipated by 2050. These developments can drive positive regional links, but may also cause habitat loss and wildlife isolation.
World Bank data shows more than 80% of investments in railways and roads were sponsored by public bodies and state-owned enterprises in 2017, indicating that these investments were channelled through public procurement processes.
However, current procurement processes are not optimised to reduce impacts on biodiversity, or implement nature-based solutions.
To combat this, IISD is building an evidence base for nature-positive transport infrastructure procurement, including a blueprint for integrating biodiversity across the procurement life cycle.
The project will also produce case studies, a technical handbook and an online training programme to help procurement practitioners embed nature-positive approaches.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN