The United Nations COP16 biodiversity meeting held in Cali, Colombia, last year revealed a stark shortfall in global conservation funding, with pledges of only US$163 million against the $200 billion needed each year (see Nature 635, 264–265; 2024). A pivotal, yet overlooked, element in closing this gap could be the education of financial professionals.
Financial decision makers can play a crucial part in allocating resources that either support or hinder biodiversity conservation. Financial institutions and conservation organizations should collaborate to integrate comprehensive biodiversity education into financial training programmes. This education should include not only theoretical knowledge to better understand the ecological and economic imperatives of preserving biodiversity, but also immersive experiences to foster a personal connection to biodiversity’s value.
Such initiatives might transform investment strategies, steering capital towards sustainable and conservation-friendly ventures and increasing support for innovative financing mechanisms, such as biodiversity credits and green bonds, that are essential for closing the funding gap identified at COP16. Empowering the financial sector with biodiversity expertise could be an essential step towards sustainable investment practices that contribute to the preservation of our natural heritage.
Competing Interests
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The author declares no competing interests.