Our Services

Sustainable Economy

The Challenge

A resilient and sustainable economy is critically dependent on a healthy natural environment. An area’s natural capital is an economic asset which generates a wide range of benefits for business and society. Managing and enhancing this natural capital is key to achieving sustainable growth and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our Expertise

Cumulus Consultants works with government bodies, local authorities (including National Parks / Landscapes), economic development agencies and large landowners to support the development of more sustainable economies. Our team carries out policy and economic research, and develops strategies and plans. We assess and value the contribution made by the natural environment and rural sector to the wider economy and society, and advise how this can be enhanced, both strategically and through specific interventions.

Our Sustainable Economy services

Our key sustainable economy service is strategy, policy and economic analysis – please see the service description below:

Strategy, policy and economic analysis

Cumulus undertakes strategy, policy and economic analysis to support the development of sustainable economies. We develop strategies and pathways for countries, regions, protected landscapes and estates to develop in a way that secures local jobs and investment, attracts the next generation of residents, reduces emissions, becomes more resilient and enhances the environment. Our policy and economic research includes assessments of the economic contribution of protected landscapes (National Parks and National Landscapes) and other environmental designations such as UNESCO Biospheres. We also undertake assessments of the socio-economic impacts of environmental initiatives including EU LIFE projects and landscape-scale habitat creation projects such as the Great Fen. This work provides valuable evidence to support budgets, programmes and activities, inform future priorities, and guide new designations and initiatives.

“This work has provided a strong evidence base, bringing together local knowledge and stakeholder insight to give us a clearer way to balance the different pressures on land. It will play an important role in helping to coordinate how we meet our net zero targets, alongside wider priorities for food production, nature and the economy, and support more informed long-term decision-making.”

Isle of Man Government

“This report highlights the value of the National Parks in promoting tourism and contributing to the UK economy and is packed with information and case studies showing how National Park Authorities support rural businesses, communities and economies while ensuring the National Parks remain beautiful places where people want to live, work and visit.”

Richard Benyon MP, Environment Minister

“A very good piece of work, vision raises the bar, thank you to everyone involved, and Cumulus for lending us support….Tremendous. Very ambitious strategy/plan.”

Crown Estate Scotland

“You did an excellent job, and the LEED workshops are a challenging thing to deliver. We particularly valued your open and clear communications, being willing to pick up additional work where the project needed further input. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”