In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing interest in the biodiversity and natural capital agenda and how to finance necessary action. Governments, multilateral organizations, donors, civil society, and the private sector are increasingly coming together to accelerate innovations in sustainability, climate action, and biodiversity conservation. This collaborative … [Read more...] about Investing in Nature: A Holistic Approach to Biodiversity and Climate Action
Gregory Watson
Gregory Watson leads the IDB's Natural Capital Lab program, funded by the French and UK governments. It works with the IDB Group and partners to drive innovation in financing natural capital and promote the incorporation of biodiversity. It incubates, accelerates and scales new solutions to pressing environmental problems, looking to nature as an asset. Previously, Greg worked at the IDB Lab, where he led the IDB's first equity investment in oceans, an equity investment in a silvopastoral system in Macaúba, developed the first Habitat Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean, supported an asset class for of natural capital and the US$20 million Climate Fund Investment Project for Forests. He also created the EcoMicro green microfinance program, conceptualized Climatescopio and the world's first private sector FIP project in Mexico. Mr. Watson holds a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.
Environmental Finance Recognizes IDB’s Financial Transactions in Barbados and Uruguay
Leveraging additional finance to support the sustainability goals is crucial to address the financial gap for climate and biodiversity challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Inter-American Development Bank is committed to supporting its member countries in achieving their ambitions under the Paris Agreement and the Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework, and … [Read more...] about Environmental Finance Recognizes IDB’s Financial Transactions in Barbados and Uruguay
Nature for Latin America and the Caribbean’s prosperity
Forests, mangroves, rivers, marine species, jaguars, flamingos, hummingbirds, and many species inhabit our region. From Chilean Antarctica to Baja California, Latin America and the Caribbean are home to the most extraordinary diversity of species and ecosystems on the planet. We are talking about more than 40% of the world's biodiversity; almost a third of the planet's … [Read more...] about Nature for Latin America and the Caribbean’s prosperity
Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss: Two Sides of the Same Coin
The fact that COP27 occurred on the African continent demonstrated the important role of developing countries in climate adaptation, mitigation (reduction) of greenhouse gases, and combating biodiversity loss - three key elements of the fight against climate change. But unfortunately, the conversation often focuses on the first two, and we cannot leave biodiversity … [Read more...] about Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Strengthening Environmental Institutional Capacity in Barbados as part of the Debt for Nature Transaction Commitments
The role and importance of nature in our lives has become mainstream and governments are considering it for our future. This growing global awareness reveals the strong connections between human health, livelihoods, economic resilience, climate adaptations, and our use of nature. Everyone is talking about it, but most importantly many more are acting on it. Nine philanthropic … [Read more...] about Strengthening Environmental Institutional Capacity in Barbados as part of the Debt for Nature Transaction Commitments