Mobilising Philanthropy for a Nature-Positive Future
As biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution accelerate globally, shifting geopolitical dynamics are putting reliable government and multilateral funding for conservation and climate action at risk. More than ever, philanthropy has a vital role to play in supporting and accelerating a just, nature-positive transition. The scale of the challenge is immense: meeting the Global Biodiversity Framework requires $1.3 trillion annually, yet less than 6% of philanthropic funding currently reaches environmental initiatives. The stakes could not be higher, and philanthropy’s agility and innovation are essential to closing the funding gap and driving systemic transformation.
To unlock real progress, we must forge new alliances and mobilize stakeholders to harness collective power at scale. Only then can we shape sustainable solutions grounded in nature-based innovations and scalable approaches that integrate social equity and conservation.
Financing these solutions demands a radical rethink of how capital flows. Philanthropy can lead the way by deploying catalytic and blended finance, venture philanthropy, and pooled funding, aligning public and private investments to unlock greater impact. Meanwhile, philanthropy also enables piloting and leveraging the transformative potential of technology to scale efforts ethically and inclusively—from AI-driven monitoring to open data platforms that empower communities and enhance transparency.
Set in the dynamic context of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the inaugural IUCN Philanthropy Summit offers a unique platform to mobilize philanthropic capital for a nature-positive future. It will convene an invite-only group of leaders ready to innovate, invest boldly, collaborate deeply, and accelerate outcome-focused action that delivers lasting benefits for people and planet alike.
Designed as a catalyst for action, the Summit will feature high-level dialogues and interactive exchanges focused on:
- Biodiversity and nature-related financial risks
- Global funding challenges
- Catalytic finance
- Emerging investment models such as seed funding, blended finance, and nature-based business incubators
- Nature-positive enterprise development and investment pathways
The IUCN Philanthropy Summit also aims to elevate the untapped potential of the Middle East and North Africa region, where philanthropy is poised to play a pivotal role in scaling conservation innovation.
Objectives of the IUCN Philanthropy Summit
The IUCN Philanthropy Summit offers a rare and timely opportunity to redefine the role of philanthropy in shaping a nature-positive future and to forge the partnerships needed to make it happen.
For more details, please reach out to partnerships@iucn.emaile.org