Biodiversity & Ecology · Carbon & Sustainability · Nature Technology
Expert advice for biodiversity, nature and climate
Okala is a specialist consultancy for biodiversity, nature and climate. Our ecologists, sustainability specialists and data scientists deliver work for industry, lenders, governments and conservation organisations, using our own NatureCube technology to deliver better insights at scale.
We have internationally recognised expertise in terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and collaborate with some of the world's leading experts in carbon accounting, plant ecology, genetics and taxonomy to support standards including IFC PS6, TNFD, SBTN and EUDR.
Trusted by global organisations
152 publications · Consulting delivered in 25+ countries · NatureCube used by 99 organisations in 35 countries · 1.5 million+ species observations
Why clients choose Okala
Trusted specialists, collaborative delivery.
Permits, lender reviews, corporate disclosures and funder reports all demand evidence that stands up to scrutiny. Our specialists design your project around your needs, choose the methods that answer the question, and use our own technology and scientific expertise to deliver transparently, within budget and on time.
Specialists for the standard
Ecologists, sustainability specialists and data scientists who work to IFC PS6, TNFD, SBTN, EUDR, the GHG Protocol and CSRD every day, so your work meets the standard first time.
The right method
From desk-based analysis of global datasets, supply chains and company data to remote sensing, AI and field surveys where they add value, our experts choose the approach that fits the question.
Efficiency, at any scale
Our NatureCube platform lets us deliver to the same standard on a single site, across a supply chain or a whole investment portfolio. With standardised data in one place, we prepare the reports you need with greater transparency and efficiency.
Built around your decision
Scoped to your deadline and audience, from lender reviews and permitting to corporate disclosure, grant reporting and custom technology builds.
Services
Three areas of expertise, one collaborative team
Biodiversity & Ecology
Critical habitat assessments, ESIA biodiversity baselines and population monitoring for projects that must meet IFC PS6, lender and national requirements, delivered by specialist ecologists with decades of experience in data analytics and field work.
Carbon & Sustainability
TNFD and SBTN assessments, EUDR due diligence, climate risk assessments across investment portfolios and greenhouse gas inventories, delivered by sustainability specialists working alongside our ecologists.
Nature Technology
NatureCube is our main delivery platform, holding all your ecological and geospatial data in one place, with AI species identification checked by experts and mapping of land-use change and habitats. We offer services to build custom AI models for image and sound recognition and bespoke sensor development.
How we work
Phase 1 · Plan
Frame the question
Understand
We start with the decision you need to make, the standard it must meet and the deadline you face.
Design
We design a study that answers that question, choosing the methods that give the strongest evidence for the time and budget available.
Phase 2 · Evidence
Gather the evidence
Collect
Our field teams, remote sensing specialists and data scientists gather the data the study needs.
Verify
Specialists check every record and every AI output before it is used.
Phase 3 · Action
Advise and support
Interpret
We turn the data into findings against the relevant standard or framework.
Advise
Clear recommendations, written for the regulator, lender or board that will read them.
Report
We stay with you through review, approval and ongoing monitoring.
Our people
We are a diverse team of 50, including ecologists, sustainability specialists, geospatial analysts, data scientists and field staff, working for industry, lenders, governments and conservation organisations. Between us, we have 152 publications.
Sectors
Sector experience where scrutiny is highest
What our clients say
"Working with Okala has been a consistently positive experience. Their professionalism, technical expertise, and commitment to quality is evident in every stage of support and delivery. What particularly stands out is their attention to detail and dedication to generating robust biodiversity data in some of the world's most ecologically valuable landscapes. Beyond their technical capabilities on data analysis, Okala's collaborative approach and shared commitment to positive outcomes make them a trusted and valued partner for Plan Vivo."
"Okala provided valuable support to SETRAG in monitoring the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan for slope stabilisation works at PK287, within Gabon's UNESCO-listed Lopé National Park. Their technical expertise, responsiveness and collaborative approach were particularly appreciated in this environmentally sensitive context, and their practical guidance strengthened our environmental and social oversight throughout the project."
"We had a fantastic experience working with Okala, who supported us with camera trap surveys, including survey design, image processing and data analysis. They were extremely professional and communicative, delivering tagged images and access to their expert dashboard within a short space of time. We look forward to working with them on future projects."
"We have had a great experience working with Okala. The process has been constructive and efficient. We have appreciated the collaborative nature of the work and the level of expertise from the Okala team. It has been great to work with a like-minded team who share our values."
"We greatly appreciated Okala's ability to adapt to the specific demands of the mining industry. Their flexibility and responsiveness enabled the timely delivery of key project components. The dashboard training session was very well received by our client, and the platform itself has proven to be an effective tool for visualizing the results of camera-trap monitoring. We look forward to continuing and expanding our collaboration with Okala."
"This was an ambitious project where we could put AI to the test at very large scales. Okala's data platform allowed us to verify AI outputs and rapidly interact with the data using the intuitive interface."
"Okala's expert gap analysis and guidance have greatly advanced Fura's progress towards reaching our sustainability goals. Their professionalism and insight into biodiversity and carbon management exceeded our expectations."
"Okala delivered cutting edge biodiversity, carbon and social baselines to understand how a 300,000 ha forestry concession in Gabon could be managed for sustainable development."
"Minimising biodiversity impact is an increasing challenge for our sector. Okala provided unrivalled transparency and reporting for our early-stage industrial project in Rwanda."
"Okala delivered high-quality biodiversity baselines in just six months using eDNA, bioacoustics and camera traps. Their work will allow us to calculate the biodiversity value of the forest to inform land-management."
