COP17 provides a window to turn global biodiversity finance commitments into investment at scale. With at least US$200 billion a year needed for biodiversity by 2030, this ICC policy paper sets out the frameworks, financing solutions and market conditions needed to reduce investment risks and channel capital towards measurable outcomes for nature.
Mobilising finance for biodiversity is both an environmental priority and an economic resilience and competitiveness imperative. Under Target 19 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), governments have committed to mobilising at least US$200 billion a year for biodiversity by 2030, including through increased international finance, private capital and innovative financing mechanisms.
Investments are needed to both protect and restore nature, as well as to help businesses reduce pressures on nature through more resource-efficient operations, sustainable sourcing and circular economy approaches.
At COP17, ICC calls on governments to translate these commitments into investable national biodiversity finance plans and scalable project pipelines. Clear policies, effective financing solutions and supportive market conditions will be essential to reduce risks and unlock capital for nature.
What opportunity does COP17 present?
COP17 will mark the first global review of progress in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework. Building on the outcomes of COP16, it provides an opportunity to translate global commitments into practical investment opportunities and accelerate the flow of finance towards measurable outcomes for nature.
ICC calls on governments to advance a finance package that:
- creates investable national pipelines and enabling frameworks by linking national biodiversity strategies with clear finance plans, priority investment opportunities and projects that can attract funding;
- reduces risks for private investment through blended finance, guarantees and other risk-sharing tools, while addressing regulatory barriers that constrain private capital flows, particularly in emerging and developing markets;
- makes nature-positive investment more competitive by aligning public and private financial flows and strengthening incentives for conservation, restoration and sustainable use;
- builds confidence through better data and measurement by supporting credible and interoperable approaches that improve transparency, reduce costs and help investors assess outcomes;
- scales innovative finance with integrity, including biodiversity credit markets, supported by clear rules, trusted verification and strong environmental and social safeguards.
COP17 should help turn global biodiversity finance commitments into real-world investment. Governments, financial institutions, investors, businesses and wider stakeholders each have a role to play in developing investable projects, sharing risks and directing capital towards positive outcomes for nature.
