Biodiversity loss is accelerating, yet finance for conservation, particularly conservation led by communities and smallholders, remains critically underfunded. Stretched government budgets, development aid, private finance, and geopolitical commitments have all led to a reduction in money going towards conservation projects.

Central to the discussion is the emerging role of biodiversity credits and biodiversity markets as a mechanism for delivering sustainable, long-term finance for both conservation and community development. The approach presented is grounded in science and evidence and accessible to smallholders and indigenous peoples and local communities and is designed to create meaningful incentives for conservation and restoration action.

This event, delivered in partnership with Plan Vivo, will bring together technical experts, project developers, and market actors to explore the role of biodiversity credits in the ever changing landscape of nature conservation finance. It will provide space for a diverse group of stakeholders to interact and engage with a mechanism that channels finance to community-led conservation action.

Attendees will gain insight into the rapidly developing world of conservation finance whilst exploring some of the critical barriers and opportunities in scaling the sector.

Agenda

Join us for an afternoon of presentations, roundtable discussions and panel debate, with plenty of time to connect with peers over refreshments and drinks to close. The detailed agenda will be confirmed shortly.

Confirmed speakers

University of Edinburgh: Dr Hannah Wauchope (Lecturer in Ecology & Conservation)

Plan Vivo: Toral Shah (Nature Lead), Terita Deare (Senior Nature Officer - Technical), Harry Tittensor (Senior Nature & Climate Officer)

Arup: Douglas Phillips (Climate & Nature Consultant)

Association for Coastal Ecosystem Services: Robyn Morland (Director), Amelia Allerton (Biodiversity Lead)

Okala: TBC

We have a number of reserved spaces for students. If you are a student and would like to attend, please email naturefinancelab@ed.ac.uk.