This report focuses on promoting financing for Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) within Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the Asia-Pacific region. NbS are actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems to address societal challenges while benefiting people and biodiversity.
Key Challenges:
- Financial Gap: Globally, approximately US$300-400 billion is needed annually for ecosystem conservation, but currently only US$52 billion is invested.
- Barriers: Scaling up financing for NbS faces four major hurdles: lack of transparency, institutional/political constraints, technical difficulties, and purely financial issues.
Possible Sources of Financing:
- Public Finance: Including domestic public finance, the Global Environment Fund (GEF), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
- Private Finance: Mechanisms such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), green/blue bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps.
- Charitable Organizations: Funding from private and charitable foundations.
Case Studies:
The report presents five practical examples from the region:
- Indonesia: Using sustainability indicators in palm oil production and REDD+ results-based payments.
- Seychelles: Debt-for-nature swaps for ocean conservation.
- Laos: Sustainable tourism in nature reserves.
- Samoa: Designing sustainable ocean cities.
Recommendations for UNDP and partners:
To capitalize on financing opportunities for NbS, the report proposes a six-step process for identifying projects, assessing financing gaps, and building portfolios. Simultaneously, the parties should implement eight action tracks, including integrating NbS into policy, strengthening inter-sectoral cooperation, and promoting transparent information sharing.
