Mobilising finance for nature-positive, inclusive and resilient economies
We are experiencing a dangerous decline in nature, globally. This loss is exacerbating the climate crisis, undermining food and water security, and putting human well-being and planetary stability at risk. Transformational change is still achievable but only through bold and coordinated action by governments, communities, businesses and financial institutions.
UNEP works with countries and financial institutions to align capital flows with nature-positive outcomes, to enhance resilience and drive progress towards a more sustainable future.
UNEP takes a systemic approach to nature finance, helping countries align policy, regulation and investment with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNEP’s integrated approach
UNEP helps governments, regulators and financial institutions integrate nature into financial decision-making, risk assessment and investment strategies, through these interconnected areas:
- Finance for nature-based solutions: Supporting public and private investment in ecosystem restoration, regenerative agriculture, reforestation, land management and sustainable food systems.
- Finance for biodiversity protection and resilience: Assisting governments and financial actors in aligning finance with national biodiversity targets.
- Finance for sustainable value chains: Guiding policymakers and industry leaders to shift capital away from nature-negative activities and transition towards circular, resource-efficient production systems that support livelihoods, equity and environmental health.
Aligning nature with financial decision making
The financial sector plays a pivotal role in halting nature loss and financing ecosystem regeneration. UNEP works with banks, insurers and investors to embed biodiversity risk and nature ecosystem value into financial products and services.
UNEP’s Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) supports this transformation by developing science-based guidance, tools and nature-based target-setting frameworks that help institutions address risks and align portfolios with global nature goals. UNEP FI’s broader work on nature finance includes:
Nature related disclosures: UNEP supports the adoption and implementation of the nature related disclosure frameworks by financial institutions, enabling better assessment, management and disclosure of nature-related risks and opportunities.
ENCORE Tool: The Exploring Natural Capital Opportunities, Risks and Exposure platform (ENCORE) helps financial institutions assess how environmental degradation and biodiversity loss impact the sectors they finance. It is the world’s first comprehensive tool linking environmental change with its consequences for the economy.
Biodiversity Target Setting: UNEP provides practical guidance for setting and achieving biodiversity targets across lending, investment and underwriting activities, including through the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Nature Community.
Insurance and Risk Management: Through the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI), UNEP works with insurers to understand and address biodiversity risks and promote nature-positive underwriting practices.
Delivering equity and human well-being through nature finance
UNEP works with governments to ensure nature finance supports sustainable development goals, promotes inclusive land and resource governance, and strengthens the resilience of vulnerable populations. Particular focus is given to Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, rural communities and those most dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods. UNEP also focuses on least developed countries, small island developing states (SIDS) and fragile contexts, where environmental degradation is often intertwined with poverty, conflict and displacement.
Science, policy and partnerships for a nature-positive economy
UNEP supports countries and financial institutions in linking national biodiversity targets and environmental laws to financial regulation, portfolio management and corporate disclosure. This includes helping institutions to monitor nature impacts and dependencies, align with global agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, and contribute to implementing multilateral frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework.
UNEP’s nature finance ecosystem
UNEP delivers nature finance support through a broad array of programmes, frameworks and partnerships:
Partnerships, Frameworks and Platforms
Tools and Guidance
