Transforming Finance for Nature

Across 130+ countries, UNDP BIOFIN is helping governments close the biodiversity finance gap and turn commitments into action. Since 2018, BIOFIN has helped unlock more than US$3.3 billion in nature finance.

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EVENT

UNDP Planet Finance at CBD COP17

Explore events led or co-organised by UNDP BIOFIN at CBD COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19–30 October 2026. Topics range from mobilising biodiversity finance and reforming harmful subsidies to advancing gender equality and business disclosure on nature.

STORY
A New Generation of Women Conservationists in São Tomé and Príncipe

Twenty young women are gaining the skills, networks and financial knowledge needed to protect the island nation’s unique biodiversity and…

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STORY
A Shield for the Herd

A Livestock Insurance Scheme changing the lives of farmers in Sri Lanka

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NEWS
Latin America and the Caribbean build on nearly US$2 billion in finance for nature

Finance and environment ministries, development banks, financial institutions and communities from 25 countries meet in Quito to expand public, private…

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NEWS
UNDP supports five countries to pioneer integrated climate and nature finance solutions

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a new initiative through its Funding Windows to support Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador,…

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KNOWLEDGE BASE
How can governments, banks and investors use bonds to finance biodiversity conservation and restoration?

This webinar explores how corporate and sovereign nature bonds can mobilise long-term finance for national biodiversity priorities. Speakers share practical…

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STORY
From protected areas to carbon markets: How Kazakhstan is financing biodiversity

Kazakhstan is exploring a range of financial solutions to bring more resources to biodiversity, from strengthening the finances of protected…

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STORY
How to build a crowdfunding campaign for biodiversity: Lessons from the Philippines

Small individual contributions can add up to meaningful support for nature. But successful crowdfunding requires more than selecting an online…

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NEWS
What 13 years of biodiversity finance can teach the world: lessons from Costa Rica

Costa Rica is widely recognized as one of the world’s leaders in biodiversity conservation. Nearly a quarter of its land…

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NEWS
How art is helping finance biodiversity conservation in the Maldives

Photo: Launch of Dhirun – Art for Biodiversity Exhibition at Kandima Maldives An innovative partnership between artists, the tourism sector and…

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What We Do

United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP BIOFIN) was launched in 2012 and is now active in more than 130 countries. It tackles the challenge of financing biodiversity conservation by providing technical support to develop and implement effective biodiversity finance strategies. UNDP BIOFIN helps countries assess financial needs, identify inefficiencies in spending, and mobilize additional resources.

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150+

Finance Solutions

Explore the Biodiversity Finance Solution Catalogue

$3.3Bn

Catalyzed and mobilized

for biodiversity since 2018

130+

Countries in the BIOFIN Network

UNDP BIOFIN's global network spans more than 130 countries

90+

Countries

Developing national Biodiversity Finance Plans.

Where We Work

“UNDP BIOFIN’s team of experts is currently working in more than 130 countries to develop and implement Biodiversity Finance Plans – roadmaps towards a more sustainable future.”

Publications

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Online workbook

BIOFIN Workbook 2024

The BIOFIN Workbook 2024 offers comprehensive guidance for designing and implementing national Biodiversity Finance Plans (BFPs). These plans go beyond strategy, fostering long-term collaboration among stakeholders to address biodiversity finance. Since 2012, BFPs have evolved into a globally recognized tool for mobilizing and aligning financial resources for nature. Drawing on lessons from 41 pioneering countries, BIOFIN donors and the Global Environment Facility have expanded support to over 130 countries, advancing the ambitious 2030 goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

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Publication

The Nature of Subsidies: A step-by-step guide to repurpose subsidies harmful to biodiversity and improve their impacts on people and nature

Well-intentioned subsidies aimed at socio-economic goals can have unintended negative impacts on the environment, including biodiversity. The BIOFIN team has developed a step-by-step guide to repurpose such subsidies and improve their positive impacts on people and nature.

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Publication

Designing Insurance for Nature: A Practical Guide

Nature and biodiversity underpin economies, livelihoods and human well-being. Yet biodiversity is being lost at an unprecedented pace due to climate change, land-use change, pollution and unsustainable economic activities. These trends are creating growing environmental, economic, fiscal and financial risks for countries, businesses and communities. As governments seek solutions to strengthen resilience and mobilize finance for nature, insurance is emerging as an important but underexplored tool for managing nature-related risks and supporting biodiversity outcomes. This guidebook was written to assist countries in preparing their National Biodiversity Finance Plans and in selecting, screening and designing finance solutions that address risks. It also serves as a practical resource for conservation organizations, insurers, investors, development partners and other stakeholders engaged in biodiversity conservation and restoration efforts.

Publication

How Insurance Can Address Nature-related Risks: A Summary Guide

Insurance can play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by providing financial protection against risks to natural assets, incentivizing sustainable practices, and securing key investments. This summary of a forthcoming report 'How Insurance Can Address Nature-related Risks: A Summary Guide' provides an overview of how insurance can contribute to biodiversity protection, highlighting key concepts, case studies, and recommendations for designing effective insurance solutions. The summary can be used by countries preparing their National Biodiversity Finance Plans, and by conservation agencies, community-based organizations, research institutions, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), private sector investors and development partners involved in developing biodiversity conservation and restoration plans.

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Publication

Global Biodiversity Expenditure Taxonomy

The taxonomy consists of two components: (1) a guidance document explaining the various aspects of the taxonomy, including its integration with the BIOFIN methodology, and (2) the taxonomy itself, which is an Excel sheet that classifies public biodiversity expenditures into 9 primary biodiversity categories, subcategories, and expenditure programs. These are linked to global agreements such as the GBF, SDGs, and others. Each subcategory or expenditure program will eventually be associated with Biodiversity Attribution Rates (to be added in a future version), which are tied to governmental functions. In addition to supporting Biodiversity Expenditure Reviews, GLOBE can serve as a tool to assess the completeness of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) or be applied at the subnational level.

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Knowledge Base

Achieving the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework requires more than ambition—it requires practical tools. Explore our latest knowledge products and resources designed to help countries close the biodiversity finance gap and implement solutions for nature and people.

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Impact stories

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What indigenous startups in Costa Rica can teach the world about the future of eco-tourism
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Zanzibar boosts conservation efforts with new digital payments system and raised visitor fees for marine parks
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Why Nature is the New Diamond for Botswana
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Tools & Resources

BIOFIN Catalogue of Finance Solutions

Explore more than 150 solutions for nature—tools and strategies applicable to biodiversity finance.

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Learning Course on Biodiversity Finance

Learn how to develop financially sound and politically feasible biodiversity finance plans.

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Library of Nature Resources

Browse nearly 4,000 resources covering the latest research on environmental topics.

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Finance Resource for Biodiversity – FIRE

Discover over 300 funding opportunities for nature, including grants, equities, and loans worldwide.

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