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
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.
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
Mainstreaming Natural Capital to Drive Increased Nature-Positive Investments
At this year’s UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal (COP15), countries are gathering to finalize the post-2020 global framework on biodiversity (GBF). In the landmark agreement, countries are expected to commit to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and institute a new global plan to deploy resources for the conservation and restoration of nature. The finalization of the framework … [Read more...] about Mainstreaming Natural Capital to Drive Increased Nature-Positive Investments
Can nature conservation prevent the next pandemic?
Two years have passed since COVID-19 first emerged, and efforts are underway to prevent the next pandemic from occurring again. While we are still learning the lessons of COVID-19, experts affirm this won’t be the last time a new or relatively rare infectious disease emerges. Indeed, the current monkeypox outbreak underscores this point. So, how are we going to prevent the next … [Read more...] about Can nature conservation prevent the next pandemic?