The UK Government has committed £7.2 million to help developing countries transition to nature-positive economies. Announced by Treasury Lords Minister Baroness Penn at the CBD COP15 conference in Montreal, this funding initiative aims to help low and middle-income nations embed nature-based decision-making into their economic frameworks. With the goal of reversing biodiversity loss, the funding will support these countries in building a sustainable global economy, focusing on environmental restoration, food security, and public health. 

The International Nature Positive Economy Programme, a key part of this funding, will equip financial institutions and businesses in these regions to better manage and disclose nature-related financial risks. Aligning with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework, this initiative will help improve business transparency and guide decision-making processes that integrate nature into economic strategies. With businesses understanding the financial risks tied to nature loss, they can take more responsible actions in their operational practices, creating long-term value for the economy and the planet. 

The programme will also provide governments and regulators with essential tools and knowledge to integrate nature into their policies. These frameworks will guide how to manage nature-related risks, unlock new market opportunities, and rebuild natural capital. Partner nations will be encouraged to develop actionable financial plans that steer public and private funding towards the protection and restoration of ecosystems, ensuring sustainable development. 

Additionally, the initiative fosters collaboration through evidence-sharing platforms that enhance knowledge exchange, offering global communities of practice. Delivered in partnership with the UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BioFin) and Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa), the programme supports ESG efforts, aiming for a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future in vulnerable regions. 

Sources : 

https://esgnews.com/uk-pledges-7-2m-to-support-nature-positive-economies-in-developing-countries/ 

https://esgnews.com/category/emerging-markets/ 

https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/the-uk-is-leading-the-way-to-protect-and-restore-nature-and-biodiversity 

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