The NAbSA Dialogue series concluded with a timely discussion on “Financing Nature-based Solutions (NbS),” highlighting strategies to channel increased climate finance toward NbS, ensure equity, and amplify their impact on local communities and biodiversity. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are powerful tools for addressing global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. However, mobilising financial resources for these solutions often poses significant challenges. This Dialogue highlighted the perspectives of three organisations—UPA DI, Plan International, and IISD—each working on gender-responsive NbS in their respective ecosystems and communities. Through a panel discussion, these speakers shared the work they are currently doing, project and institutional perspectives, community mobilisation methods, and future outlooks in the financing space. An interactive Q&A session followed the panel, allowing attendees to share their thoughts and questions.
Panelists:
- Annick Gillard-Bailetti (Plan International).
- Faby Anne Gagné-Mimeault (Canada Research Chair in Ecological Economics, University of Quebec).
- Bernard Kpanoga Kolombia (Canada Research Chair in Ecological Economics, University of Quebec).
- Edoardo Carlucci (IISD).
Annick emphasised the need to rethink financing frameworks by incorporating Indigenous knowledge, land rights, and equity-focused approaches. She shared practical examples of innovative funding, such as Reaching Communities England, which funds local organisations through community grants, emphasising that these mechanisms empower grassroots organisations in the Global South. She also pointed to instances where ecosystems have been granted legal personhood, such as in New Zealand, where rivers and ecosystems are recognised as entities with rights. She urged for a shift in thinking about nature’s value, moving away from a purely monetary perspective and toward an approach that respects the intrinsic worth of ecosystems.
“We need to move away from designing systems that put a price on nature and instead focus on integrating equity and respect for nature into financing frameworks. It’s about recognizing the inherent rights of ecosystems, not just their extractive value.”
Faby Anne emphasised the need to expand financial mechanisms for nature-based solutions, stating that universal solutions are insufficient. She stressed the need for hybrid financing approaches that address both the biodiversity and climate crises, as well as the necessity to involve local communities in the process. She also introduced the concept of results-based investments, where funding is tied to measurable outcomes, which can provide long-term incentives for sustainability. She emphasised that each project or ecosystem requires specific financial tools, whether for carbon capture, ecosystem management, or community-led conservation initiatives. By focusing on tailored solutions, financing can be more effective in addressing each context’s unique challenges and opportunities.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Tailored approaches are key to ensuring that financing aligns with local and global priorities.”
Bernard added to the discussion by focusing on incorporating non-market ecosystem services into financing frameworks. He explained that because it’s difficult to price the services that ecosystems provide directly, methodologies like contingent valuation are used, where the value of an ecosystem is estimated through surveys or discussions with local communities. This approach, he stated, can help integrate the real value of NbS into markets. Bernard also discussed how governments can support these efforts by regulating prices and incentivising private investors to invest in NbS. He spoke about the important role of microfinance, especially in developing countries, where small-scale community funds can be used for NbS projects like reforestation or water management. Bernard argued that such mechanisms allow local communities to mobilise their own resources and take control of their environmental futures. These tools are crucial in scaling up NbS projects while ensuring local ownership and involvement.
“Microfinance and community funds are vital tools for financing NbS in developing countries, enabling local populations to lead reforestation and other projects.”
Edoardo addressed the complex issue of commodifying nature. He warned about the potential risks of turning ecosystems into financial products and emphasised the importance of not reducing nature’s value to mere economic terms. He stressed that while monetising the benefits of preserving ecosystems is essential for attracting investment, the process should not come at the expense of the communities that have historically managed and protected these lands. Edoardo called for methodologies that prevent the misuse of NbS while fostering community-driven conservation efforts. He highlighted the necessity of considering land ownership when financing NbS, as many of these interventions require long-term management and access to land by local communities. Edoardo insisted that land should remain a public resource rather than being exclusively privatised for financial gain, stressing that local communities must retain the right to manage and benefit from natural resources.
“It’s important to provide the monetary value of preserving rainforests and biodiversity to counter the economic incentives of replacing them with palm oil plantations. Land ownership must be considered to ensure nature remains a public space, accessible to local communities, and owned by them.”
The NAbSA Dialogue on “Financing Nature-based Solutions” brought together diverse perspectives on how to unlock the financial potential of NbS while ensuring they align with community needs and environmental sustainability. From Annick’s focus on Indigenous rights and equity to Faby Anne’s call for tailored, hybrid financing approaches, the panel emphasised that NbS financing must be adaptable, inclusive, and community-driven. Bernard’s insights on microfinance and contingent valuation, along with Edoardo’s caution against the commodification of nature, highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between financial incentives and the ethical considerations of NbS.
This dialogue also marked the closing of the NAbSA Dialogues series, which has provided a platform for exploring the interconnectedness of biodiversity, gender, policy, and livelihoods within climate adaptation. The insights shared by the panellists will contribute to developing actionable strategies for scaling up NbS funding and ensuring that these solutions deliver tangible benefits for both people and the planet.
Explore the full recording of the dialogue for deeper insights and actionable recommendations through the link below:
NAbSA Dialogues is a platform for experts and stakeholders interested in the practical integration of biodiversity conservation and gender considerations for the design and application of effective NbS for climate adaptation and community resilience. Join us to explore how preserving the diversity of life on Earth is crucial for a sustainable future on our ever-changing and dynamic planet.
For more information on these Dialogues or NAbSA, please contact Veronica Ruiz (veronica.ruiz@iucn.org) or Zoe Jafflin (zoe.jafflin@iucn.org).
