Nature & biodiversity

Supporting on the establishment of a large protected area established to restore and conserve iconic Arabian Peninsula species.

The context: Diverse and scenic landscapes with mountains, valleys, craters, and a vast desert were once roamed by iconic Arabian Peninsula species such as Gazelles and Nubian Ibexes. Yet, due to urban expansion, habitat loss and illegal hunting, much of these species were lost over the last decade. In response, a pivotal effort was launched to designate vast stretches of land, encompassing tens of thousands of kilometers, as a protected area, with the aim of restoring what was lost and safeguarding what still remains.

The area holds significant ecological and cultural value. Despite suffering from degradation, it remains an important stopover for migratory birds, and includes several Important Bird Areas. It is also home to a variety of mammal species such as the Red fox and the Golden jackal. Moreover, this region boasts a rich heritage, with hundreds of rock art sites and monuments dating back to the Neolithic and Nabatean eras. It is a place where a warm and welcoming community thrives, cherishing a vibrant culture that encompasses poetry, cuisine, crafts, and cultural festivals.

Our approach: Strategy& was tasked with developing a strategy for the reserve that restores and conserves the ecological value, while capitalising on and preserving the cultural heritage and enabling sustainable economic growth. Core to this effort was the development of concepts for ecotourism destinations that help connect once again people with nature. 

How we delivered: Strategy& not only developed the strategy, but also supported in activating the reserve. This involved the development of an effective management plan, engagement strategies for stakeholders and the local community, and ensuring the successful realisation of the project's goals.

Setting an environment and biodiversity conservation vision and strategy. 

The context: The environment that surrounds us is inextricably linked with the future of humankind, and yet it is facing ever-increasing pressures, resulting from a variety of factors that include population growth and a global middle-class expansion. In this context, environmental protection has become a non-negotiable imperative, with one of the Gulf Emirates aiming to pioneer the cause.

To enable this ambitious goal, Strategy& supported the regional Environment Agency in developing a 2030 Environment Vision, and consecutive five-year strategies to achieve it.

Our approach: A Strategy& team began by baselining the environmental state, the pressures that shape it, and its impact on local population and ecosystems. The study covered all elements of the region’s environment, from groundwater to air, and from soil to wildlife, with additional focus on the impacts of climate change and the environment’s interlinkages with the waste sector.

The team then identified best practices from globally-leading environment protection entities, and further enhanced them through ideation sessions with the Agency’s experts and global thought-shapers.

How we delivered: After defining the vision and cascading it into tangible ambitious targets, the team supported the agency in developing robust five-year strategies to achieve the vision. Each strategy defined and detailed the comprehensive set of objectives and initiatives required to succeed, and provided a clear implementation blueprint.

Supporting a new environmental services company in disrupting the way environmental services are provided to contribute to the protection and promotion of nature.

The context: The provision of environmental services, including environmental assessments, ongoing monitoring, and nature-positive strategies, plays a crucial role in evaluating and mitigating human impacts on the natural world. However, the current monitoring and assessment processes are flawed, either demanding substantial resources (such as manual patrolling of vast land areas) or lacking the necessary data and insights (such as periodic sampling or surveys for biodiversity assessments). With the advent of an ambitious giga development project in the GCC that aimed to prioritise nature protection and promotion, a new environmental services company was established to redefine the delivery of services to a diverse customer base.

Our approach: To formulate the strategy for this company, a Strategy& team conducted an extensive assessment of the geographical context in which it would operate. They performed a comprehensive analysis of the demand for environmental services essential for achieving nature-positive outcomes, which guided the selection of a portfolio of services for the new company. Subsequently, the team explored disruptive approaches to deliver these services, leveraging ground-breaking technologies and establishing technical innovation as core pillars. They also determined the optimal delivery model for the services.

How we delivered: It was crucial to differentiate the company from potential competitors to ensure its long-term success. The overarching strategy focused on being a comprehensive and disruptive service provider within its primary geography. Furthermore, the company aimed to possess unique capabilities, such as the ability to develop net-positive strategies, enabling global expansion and future leadership. The company was positioned as a critical enabler in fulfilling the development's ambitious goals of nature and environmental protection.