Eco days of September: 16, International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Nature Next: Urban Habitat Certification
What Is NatureNext?
NatureNext is a structured, science-driven certification programme offered jointly by:
iNaturewatch Foundation – a leading urban biodiversity NGO working on citizen science and habitat education
Ladybird Environmental Consulting LLP – known for biodiversity park design, green consulting, and habitat restoration projects
Together, we help institutions assess, improve, and officially certify their landscapes as wildlife-friendly urban habitats. Whether your site has a butterfly garden, native tree belt, pond, or simply avoids pesticide use—you may already qualify.
How India's First Urban Habitat Certification Is Turning Green Spaces into Biodiversity Landmarks
What if your factory’s backyard or residential park is doing more than looking green? What if it’s quietly feeding butterflies, sheltering frogs, or offering nesting spots for tailorbirds? As climate resilience becomes a corporate and community priority, such spaces are no longer ornamental—they’re ecological assets. That’s why we created NatureNext: Urban Habitat Certification, India’s first recognition programme designed specifically for gated communities, corporate campuses, and industrial premises that support urban biodiversity.
How we will help?
1. Why Certification Matters to Corporates & Housing Communities
1. Why Certification Matters to Corporates & Housing Communities
1. Why Certification Matters to Corporates & Housing Communities
1. Supports Your ESG, CSR & SDG Goals
Biodiversity is now integral to corporate sustainability reporting. NatureNext directly supports:
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
It enables:
- On-ground biodiversity impact measurement
- Visibility in ESG or CSR reports
- Alig
1. Supports Your ESG, CSR & SDG Goals
Biodiversity is now integral to corporate sustainability reporting. NatureNext directly supports:
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
It enables:
- On-ground biodiversity impact measurement
- Visibility in ESG or CSR reports
- Alignment with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030)
2️. Enhances Brand Value & Real Estate Differentiation
For gated communities and developers:
- Certification demonstrates environmental leadership
- Adds value to eco-conscious buyers and tenants
- Offers PR-worthy stories of nature revival within urban boundaries
3. Improves Employee and Resident Wellbeing
Access to biodiversity improves:
- Mental health
- Cognitive performance
- Community connection
Imagine employees watching dragonflies over lunch, or children spotting caterpillars near their play area. Nature heals—and certification helps preserve it.
2. How NatureNext Works:
1. Why Certification Matters to Corporates & Housing Communities
1. Why Certification Matters to Corporates & Housing Communities
We assess your site through six pillars of habitat quality:
(i) Food Sources: Native plants, flowering shrubs, fruit trees, feeders
(ii) Water Availability: Ponds, puddling sites, birdbaths, natural dips
(iii) Shelters: Thickets, hedgerows, earthen pots, log piles
(iv)Breeding Grounds: Host plants, mature trees, quiet corners, wetland edg
We assess your site through six pillars of habitat quality:
(i) Food Sources: Native plants, flowering shrubs, fruit trees, feeders
(ii) Water Availability: Ponds, puddling sites, birdbaths, natural dips
(iii) Shelters: Thickets, hedgerows, earthen pots, log piles
(iv)Breeding Grounds: Host plants, mature trees, quiet corners, wetland edges
(v) Green Practices: Composting, no pesticides, native gardening, recycling of dry waste, e-waste and plastic
(vi) Green Infrastructure: Permeable paving, rainwater harvesting, minimal lawns, usage of recycled materials
Your site receives a score and tier.
3.What You Get:
1. Why Certification Matters to Corporates & Housing Communities
3.What You Get:
- Certificate of Recognition
- Weatherproof habitat signage for on-site display
- Practical recommendations for habitat enrichment
- Access to an online habitat community and recognition map
- Opportunity to move to higher tiers over time.
2-Year Certification Validity & Renewal
Biodiversity isn’t static. That’s why NatureNext certification is valid for
- Certificate of Recognition
- Weatherproof habitat signage for on-site display
- Practical recommendations for habitat enrichment
- Access to an online habitat community and recognition map
- Opportunity to move to higher tiers over time.
2-Year Certification Validity & Renewal
Biodiversity isn’t static. That’s why NatureNext certification is valid for 2 years.
After 2 years, clients may:
- Submit updated photos and a short progress form
- Request a re-assessment (if aiming for a higher tier)
- Renew their certificate and signage
- Access new guidelines or enhancements
Renewal helps sites track ecological progress, plan future improvements, and sustain their commitment visibly.
Optional add-ons include:
- Biodiversity monitoring support
- Volunteer engagement activities
- Tree planting and habitat redesign
About NatureNext
How NatureNext Builds on These Stories
How NatureNext Builds on These Stories
How NatureNext Builds on These Stories
NatureNext is uniquely positioned to:
- Formalize recognition of such efforts in India
- Make biodiversity-friendly design part of urban sustainability conversations
- Offer structured guidance, certification, and visibility to sites that deserve it
- Encourage small to mid-sized communities and campuses—not just big names—to join the movement
Who Can Apply?
How NatureNext Builds on These Stories
How NatureNext Builds on These Stories
- Corporate headquarters and industrial campuses
- Residential societies and green townships
- Resorts, retreat centers, and eco-farms
- Schools, colleges, and research campuses
- CSR partners and sustainability consultancies
Who Are Our Panelists?
How NatureNext Builds on These Stories
Who Are Our Panelists?
Every site certified under NatureNext is reviewed and guided by a diverse panel of experts who bring interdisciplinary insight into urban ecology and sustainability.
Our panel includes:
- Environmentalists – Advocating for sustainable living and ecological integrity
- City Planners – Ensuring biodiversity fits into urban development
- Environmental
Every site certified under NatureNext is reviewed and guided by a diverse panel of experts who bring interdisciplinary insight into urban ecology and sustainability.
Our panel includes:
- Environmentalists – Advocating for sustainable living and ecological integrity
- City Planners – Ensuring biodiversity fits into urban development
- Environmental Engineers – Bridging technical design with natural systems
- Educationists – Promoting nature-based learning for communities
- Wildlife Biologists – Offering field expertise on species and habitat dynamics
Their combined experience ensures that every certification is meaningful, science-based, and improvement-oriented.