A green growth business model

Green growth strategies are logical and natural ways of dealing with many of the major challenges we face: higher prices for goods, joblessness, scarcity of resources, food shortages, high risk of diseases and rising instability. In this chapter, the author outlines a sound business model for greening growth. He stresses the need to ensure: 1) sufficient and timely returns/benefits (financial, political and social) to make the investment worthwhile and sustainable; 2) inclusiveness, involving beneficiaries in the conception of green growth initiatives in order to make sure they are suitable culturally, technically and socially, as well as to ensure long-term buy-in; and 3) partnerships, not just public-private partnerships, but any that provide the necessary financial leverage, risk-sharing, technical expertise and stakeholder empowerment. The supply side of the green growth equation should include the stimulation of new markets, innovation (often adapting knowledge acquired by local populations), and the use of locally-available resources. These fundamental elements, required to generate and sustain green growth, are illustrated in this chapter by numerous examples of successful projects funded by the Global Environment Facility.