Aligning Global Finance with Nature’s Needs

A Framework for Systemic Change.

What would it take to align finance with nature? Complex, dynamic systems change through nudges, experimentation and iteration linked to rapid learning. But understanding that we need to transition along uncertain pathways should not become an excuse for degenerating into small-scale pilots and incremental actions in practice.

Interventions that can drive more rapid, systemic change are possible. This report sets our a  framework is made up of six core elements, that would result in global financial flows being consistent with the protection and restoration of biodiversity, along with specific recommendations for each:

1. Advance Citizens’ Biodiversity Choices

2. Disclose Impacts on Biodiversity

3. Create Liability for Biodiversity

4. Align Public Finance with Biodiversity

5. Align Private Finance with Public Policy

6. Integrate Biodiversity into Financial Governance

Without these changes, the financial system will remain a keystone part of the problem.

This report has been prepared by Robin Smale and Simon Zadek, along with team members including Charlie Dixon, Jeremy Eppel, Jason Eis, Liz Gallagher, Mark Halle, Rupesh Madlani, Nathalie Nathe and Philippa Wisbey.

October 2020

13 pages

Smale, R and Zadek, S (2020) Aligning Global Finance with Nature’s Needs: A Framework for Systemic Change, Finance for Biodiversity Initiative.