“Innovation Lab” refers to a small-group discussion where experts from diverse institutions come together to innovate and generate novel solutions to a common challenge. The idea is to create a space where participants have the freedom to challenge dominant or business-as-usual approaches, and to innovate new pathways for societal transformation. As part of the NATURANCE project, ICLEI is piloting a series of Innovation Labs in collaboration to explore the topic of Advancing Nature-based Solutions through Innovative Finance Mechanisms.
Innovation Lab Summary
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reported that the global economy is losing up to $25tn a year because of siloed sectors failing to account for how their actions fuel interconnected crises in nature, climate and human health.
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) touch on many sectors and are designed to be co-beneficial, meaning they enhance biodiversity while simultaneously providing social and economic benefits. Designing, funding, and implementing nature-based solutions therefore requires multi-sectoral partnerships and a myriad of innovative financing strategies.
[Round III] From Vision to Investment: Preparing Bankable NbS Projects
In this third round of the Innovation Lab series, we shift from strategy to action. This session offers cities a unique opportunity to present their urban nature-based solution projects to a panel of financing and funding experts for live feedback and engagement.
Participants include:
Bankers without Boundaries, investment banking, asset management and advisory firm
Howden Broking, the largest international insurance broker
The European Investment Bank
Philea and the Environmental Funders Group, philanthropy (TBC)
These institutions will share perspectives on what makes NbS projects “bankable,” how cities can de-risk their proposals, and what kinds of partnerships and business models attract investment. In return, cities will gain direct insights into how to better align their projects with real-world financing opportunities, unlocking the capital needed to scale urban nature efforts.
Expected Outcomes
- Cities refine their NbS projects based on expert feedback
- Funders and insurers gain insight into emerging urban nature needs
- New cross-sectoral connections are formed to accelerate investment in urban NbS
- Participants co-develop ideas for making NbS more finance-ready in the context of climate, biodiversity, and resilience goals
English