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The Blueprint

Bankrolling Nature Action

Bankrolling Nature Action

 

Nature is essential for people, the planet, and prosperity. However, less than half of the US$370 billion needed to address environmental challenges is being provided (UN).

On 24 August 2023, the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Fund was launched by the Global Environment Facility – a financial mechanism for UN Conventions – to support the goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) finalised at COP15 last December.

Photo source : unido.org 

Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established in 1991, ahead of the Rio Earth Summit (1992). It has grown to include 184 member countries

Through the deal, countries agreed to raise US$200 billion for nature recovery from “domestic, international, public and private resources” annually by 2030. This facilitates Goal D of the KMGBF by growing the pool of essential financing available for nature conservation and recovery.

To establish the fund, the Global Environment Facility must raise US$200 million by December. While first commitments from Canada (US$147 million) and the UK (US$12.6 million) have been pledged, a boost of US$40 million is required to meet the fund’s minimum initial contribution.

Increasing pressure on corporations and financial backers

Corporates and financial institutions that continue business-as-usual not only risk losing market share, but will also be left behind in tightening regulatory environments. For example, the UN recently sent a warning letter to a major Saudi state-run oil company and its financiers – including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and major international banks. UN experts are concerned that the firm’s fossil fuel production and ongoing exploration activities adversely impact human rights – contravening the UN resolution that people have a right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Riding the ocean financing wave

The APAC region provides an estimated 90% of global aquaculture production (FAO). Multilateral development banks like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are providing crucial support for ocean activities in the region (ADB).

Photo source : Foodprint

Aquaculture can introduce threats like water pollution and non-native species into the area

The Gulf of Thailand (GOT) feeds aquatic supply chains with seafood such as mackerel, barracuda, and pomfrets. As 1 of the 3 nations with an exclusive economic zone within the GOT, Cambodia plays a critical role in improving cross-border management of fish stocks. The country will be supported to step up monitoring of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities with a US$10 million loan from the ADB.

Photo source : Freepik

The countries with the highest demand for fish include high-income countries like South Korea and Japan

Creating sustainable urban spaces

Cities produce 70% of the world’s emissions and are responsible for 80% of global energy consumption (UN). Launched in Singapore in 2016, the GEF’s Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC) has mobilised over US$4 billion to catalyse solutions in 11 developing countries for biodiversity, urban poverty, and waste management.

The Singapore Green Plan 2030 charts a 10-year path towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Under the Plan, Singapore will boost solar production by 4 times, curb waste sent to the Semakau landfill by 30%, and enhance its parks and landscapes.

Incorporate nature into decision-making

To overcome the interlinked planetary crisis of climate change and species extinction, implementation of the GBF’s nature targets must start as soon as possible (UNEP FI).

The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) provides a useful framework to assess nature-related risks and opportunities of businesses. At PCM, our ESG Research Objective 1 (Managing ESG Risks) considers companies’ actions to minimise nature-related dependencies and any attributed financial impacts.

Equitable governance principles strengthen enabling conditions for a sustainable economy. Under the Social consideration of PCM ESG Research Objective 3 (Measuring Positive Change and Impact), we assess how companies ensure inclusive participation of local and underserved communities in decision-making – including dispute resolution mechanisms and access to information.

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