The newly released CEN Workshop Agreement “Nature-based insurance and investments – Guidance on performance and design criteria” (CWA 18349:2026) establishes a common reference framework for insurance and investment solutions based on the natural environment, integrating ecosystem protection and restoration with financial instruments for climate risk management. The CWA will be presented on 30 March 2026 at the seminar “Le Nature-based Solutions: fra norme tecniche, ricerca e buone pratiche“, organized in collaboration with ICESP (Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform) and the NBS Italy Hub at UNI – Italian Standards Body‘s headquarters in Milan. The event will be held in Italian.
The results incorporated into the CWA build upon the outcomes of the NATURANCE project, whose objectives are directly aligned with those of the Workshop proposal. The kick-off meeting took place on 18 September 2025, and over the following months, 63 stakeholders from a diverse range of organizations actively participated in the process. The Secretariat of the Workshop was provided by UNI – Italian Standards Body.
The document places particular emphasis on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through the sustainable management of ecosystems – an area of significant relevance for insurers and investors – and sets out minimum requirements in terms of economic and financial soundness, environmental integrity, social value, ethical practices, and inclusive governance. Its objective is to support the wider adoption of risk financing mechanisms by promoting nature-based solutions that are effective in addressing extreme climate events, while contributing to the maintenance and restoration of ecosystems that are essential for community well-being and resilience. The structure of the document includes:
- Guiding principles – supporting the development of the proposed solutions. These principles combine economic robustness and financial sustainability with environmental protection, social value, ethical conduct, and clear and transparent governance.
- Shared metrics – designed to enable consistent and comparable evaluation of the solutions. These metrics are developed in alignment with existing standards and frameworks, enhancing coherence and recognizability.
- Practical case studies – illustrating how the framework can be applied in practice. The examples address real environmental risks, such as wildfires and floods, highlighting the operational potential of the proposed approach.
Overall, the document provides a structured and actionable framework for integrating nature, finance, and insurance in a responsible manner. It offers practical tools to support informed decision-making and promotes sustainable solutions capable of generating environmental, social, and economic benefits over the long term.