Why Finance Nature?
At UNDP we aim to create nature-aligned investment opportunities. Our goal is to leverage private capital and structure new finance to drive investment to inclusive nature-friendly enterprises or publicly traded companies and instruments that accelerate climate-smart impact.
The accelerated loss of nature is putting our collective future at risk. Forests underpin 1.2 billion livelihoods, provide 75% of our drinking water, and can provide 23% of the climate mitigation needed to meet goals set in the Paris Agreement. Yet forests are being lost to beef, soy, palm oil and timber, and are in crisis worldwide – the past five years are among the highest in deforestation. In 2018, despite the promises and pledges the world lost a Belgium-sized area of forest was destroyed.
Despite growing momentum for investments in sustainable development, only a fraction of the worldwide invested assets of banks, multinational enterprises, pension funds, insurers, as well as philanthropists and foundations, is aligned to the SDGs. As an example, ‘gray’ finance, including private sector investments and government subsidies, outpace investment in sustainable forest management by a factor of more than 150:1.
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PEOPLE
People are at the center of all that we do. We are committed to the communities we serve, and ensure each can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality in a healthy environment.
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PLANET
We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change- for present and future generations.
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PROSPERITY
We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.
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PARTNERSHIP
We build strong, enduring relationships across sectors to align diverse interests and advance our collective mission.
