The United Kingdom’s Treasury (economic and finance ministry) is gearing up to launch an independent global report on the importance of biodiversity for economies and future prosperity. Led by Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta, the Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity could help precipitate a major rethink on how we value biodiversity and its implications for policy and … [Read more...] about Why is the Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity a big deal?
Gregory Watson
Gregory Watson leads the IDB’s Natural Capital Lab program, funded by the governments of France and the United Kingdom. It works with the IDB Group and partners to drive innovation in natural capital finance and promote biodiversity mainstreaming. It incubates, accelerates, and scales new solutions to pressing environmental problems by looking at nature as an asset. Previously, Greg worked in the IDB Lab where he led the IDB’s first equity investment in oceans, an equity investment in a Macauba silvopastoral system, developed the first Habitat Bank in LAC, supported an asset class for natural capital trading, and structured a $20M Green Climate Fund investment project for forests. He also created the EcoMicro green microfinance program, conceptualized the Climatescope, and designed the first private sector FIP project in the world, in Mexico. Mr. Watson has a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a bachelor’s from Tufts University.
A call for an integrated framework for the bioeconomy in Latin America and The Caribbean region
Bioeconomy is any economic activity based on the use of natural renewable biological resources, from both land and ocean, to obtain food, materials, and energy in a sustainable way without compromising their availability for future generations. Specifically, bioeconomy comprises those economic activities related to the invention, development, production, and use of biological … [Read more...] about A call for an integrated framework for the bioeconomy in Latin America and The Caribbean region
Can nature support a green and inclusive economic recovery?
During the pandemic crisis nature suddenly feels much closer. Many of us regularly hear a symphony of birdsong from our make-shift offices at home while local parks are proving to be lifeline for our mental and physical health. As countries plan to ease lockdowns, parks and urban green spaces may be among the first places where people meet again and will be important to … [Read more...] about Can nature support a green and inclusive economic recovery?
Nature-based solutions can put the brakes on the climate crisis
Latin America and the Caribbean alone holds 40% of the world's biodiversity. This natural capital is not properly valued in national accounts and cannot compete with other investment priorities. During COP25 in Madrid, under the presidency of Chile, countries around the world discussed the various avenues for development, decarbonization plans and technological innovations … [Read more...] about Nature-based solutions can put the brakes on the climate crisis
A continent of oceans: Latin America’s Blue Economy
Latin America and the Caribbean is a region shaped by and very much of the ocean. All but two IDB member countries have important ocean coastlines, and 25% of the region’s population lives on the coast[1], with the number reaching nearly 100% in Caribbean island countries. But while rainforests, grasslands and rivers have so far stolen our attention, it’s time for our oceans to … [Read more...] about A continent of oceans: Latin America’s Blue Economy