We are very pleased to announce that Dr Franziska Schrodt of the University of Nottingham will organise the session, Biodiversity Finance for a Nature Positive Future: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities at the third World Biodiversity Forum in Davos, 16 - 21 June 2024. Under the theme From Science to Action, the Forum brings together researchers across all disciplines of biodiversity science with practitioners and societal actors. Together, they will explore how to move from science to actions and solutions to conserve biodiversity and set us on a path towards transformation for sustainability.
Session description
In an era of uncertainty and data gaps, we require innovative solutions to conserve and restore biodiversity while promoting sustainable development. This session aims to explore the concept of a "Nature Positive Future" and the role of biodiversity finance in achieving this vision. Biodiversity finance encompasses a range of financial instruments, funding mechanisms, and innovative approaches to mobilize resources for biodiversity conservation, restoration, and sustainable development.
We will highlight emerging trends and innovative financing approaches, such as green bonds, biodiversity impact bonds, biodiversity credits, and nature-based solutions finance, and invite discussions of their potential to attract investments and scale up conservation efforts. We will further explore the role of the private sector and financial institutions in biodiversity finance, and discuss the opportunities and challenges for businesses to integrate biodiversity considerations into their operations.
A particular focus will be on exploring traps involved in 'nature positive options' and the importance for the financial sector to avoid these traps to gain, and keep, social legitimacy.
This session will highlight the importance of integrating finance with policy, research, and on-the-ground actions to effectively address the biodiversity crisis, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among interested parties. We will bring together experts from various disciplines to present cutting-edge research and case studies, discuss policy implications, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on how to create a sustainable and equitable world through nature-based solutions and biodiversity financing mechanisms. The session will provide a platform to bridge the gap between science, policy, and practice, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange for tangible and transformative actions.
The session will feature a combination of keynote presentations, case study presentations, and panel discussions. Key experts from academia, conservation organizations, government agencies, financial institutions, and the private sector will be invited to share their experiences, insights, and research findings.
Abstract submissions open in early September.
Dr Schrodt is a Co-investigator on the IFB Project, Co-creating and applying a theory of change for biodiversity credits - towards a nature-positive future.