IFB convened and hosted the Future of Nature Finance Research three-day workshop at UKCEH Wallingford. It brought together 25 leading experts on nature finance to map the current landscape of nature finance research and innovation and identify strategic future research and innovation priorities. The participants represented a wide cross-section of the nature finance community, including academics and representatives from policy, business, and financial institutions.
Throughout the workshop, the group explored the current state of nature finance, identifying knowledge and evidence barriers that limit progress in nature finance. Participants collaboratively developed a forward-looking research agenda, structured around the following themes:
- Upscaling investment in nature conservation and recovery;
- Integrating nature-related risks and opportunities into financial decision making;
- Supporting sectoral transitions toward nature positive;
- Identifying the data needs within the financial system, and
- Strengthening the regulatory and political foundations required to upscale nature finance.
The workshop also reflected on the evolving UKRI funding landscape and key governmental priorities, including the Modern Industrial Strategy and building economic resilience. These discussions helped demonstrate the potential for the nature finance research agenda to deliver impact.
Outputs from the workshop will include a report for NERC outlining key research priorities to support strategic decision-making, alongside an opinion piece capturing the group’s collective insights.