An evaluation of incentives for private investors to fund ecological restoration projects: a case study of the top 50 JSE listed private companies

Sustainable investment is an investment approach that incorporates environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. Private funding can be used for ecological restoration projects, and it can be essential for ensuring the success and longevity of ecological restoration projects in urban areas. Private companies use sustainable investments to offer private funding to projects that have positive environmental outcomes. Along with projects that benefits from receiving private funding, private companies also benefit from investing in ecological restoration projects. Private funding can be used for ecological restoration projects, and it can be essential for ensuring the success and longevity of ecological restoration projects in urban areas. The aim of the study is to develop a practical guideline to assist ecological restoration practitioners on obtaining private funding. Data was collected from the top 50 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies within the private sector using semi-structured interviews to be used to develop a practical guideline. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and the MAXQDA analysis software. A conceptual model was theorised to create a practical guideline based on the responses obtained from the open-ended questions during the interviews The study findings illustrate the appeal of initiatives with favourable environmental impacts and a focus on community engagement for private companies.